Raila Jr gives fresh glimpse of Raila’s mausoleum as workers strive to complete it ahead of anniversary
By Steve Ireri, September 23, 2026Raila Odinga Junior has returned to his late father Raila Odinga’s mausoleum in Bondo, offering a fresh glimpse of the striking structure as construction continues ahead of the former Prime Minister’s first death anniversary.
In a TikTok video shared on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, Raila Junior is seen arriving at the construction site dressed in a brown shirt before walking around the mausoleum and engaging the contractor overseeing the ongoing works.
The video begins with Junior inspecting the site and speaking to the contractor, who appears to take him through different aspects of the construction while explaining the progress made so far.
Junior then moves around the structure, taking a closer look at the workmanship before the camera pans across the mausoleum to reveal its distinctive architectural design.
The exterior of the mausoleum is already taking shape, with the structure featuring several carefully finished triangular forms that give the building a striking appearance.
One of the most prominent triangular features is visible towards the roof, where a smaller triangular section rises above the main structure and culminates in a pointed, horn-like architectural feature.
The unusual shapes give the mausoleum a distinctive appearance, with the exterior already revealing some of the design elements that will define the completed memorial.
However, the latest footage also shows that significant work remains to be done before the project is completed.
Parts of the structure remain in their concrete finish, with painting and other final exterior treatments yet to be completed.
The main section of the tombstone also appears unfinished, with tiles yet to be installed on parts of the surface.
Junior’s message to Ruto
In a statement shared on X on Wednesday, September 16, Junior welcomed Ruto to the family home while appreciating his role in the construction.
“Your Excellency @WilliamsRuto Asante sana kwa Kutusaidia Kujenga Hiyo Mausoleum ya Baba, Karibu sana,” Junior wrote.
The mausoleum is being constructed at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, next to the existing mausoleum of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Raila’s father and Kenya’s first Vice-President. The project is being supervised by the Ministry of Defence, with the Kenya Defence Forces involved in its implementation.
Construction had reached about 50 per cent by August 20, when Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru inspected the site and said significant progress had been made one month after the groundbreaking ceremony.
The project has since been given a new completion deadline of October 14, 2026, one day before the first anniversary of Raila’s death. President Ruto issued the directive on September 14 as the government and the Odinga family stepped up preparations for the anniversary.
Raila died on October 15, 2025, aged 80, and was buried four days later at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, where his final resting place is located alongside the existing family memorial.
The National Museums of Kenya is involved in the heritage component of the development, while the existing Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum is also expected to undergo improvements as part of the wider project.
The architectural design has previously been described as incorporating symbolic elements, including a distinctive pentagonal form associated with Raila’s political journey and the historic Pentagon period.