Ruto promises to build library, museum at Raila’s mausoleum in Bondo

President William Ruto has promised to establish a library and museum at the mausoleum of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County, as a permanent record of his contribution to Kenya.

Speaking in Bondo on Wednesday after unveiling and dedicating Raila’s mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, Ruto said the facilities would provide future generations with an opportunity to learn about the former Prime Minister’s role in shaping the country.

Ruto said Raila’s contribution to Kenya’s democratic journey deserved to be preserved, noting that his legacy should translate into tangible benefits for Kenyans.

“You know that Raila ni shujaa wa taifa letu la Kenya and I said that huyo muungwana hawezi kuzikwa kwa kaburi la kawaida, lazima ajengewe mausoleum. Tutajenga library, museum so that our future generations can learn how Raila changed this country,” he said.

“I want you to know that the democracy that Odinga fought for should not be one in vain but to change the nation and the lives of Kenyans. We will give that gentleman a befitting send-off for his contribution to our nation which is unrivalled and unequal to anybody.”

The President unveiled and dedicated Raila’s mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi during a ceremony attended by Raila’s widow Mama Ida Odinga, family members, clergy and other dignitaries.

During the ceremony, Ruto read a presidential citation honouring Raila’s contribution to Kenya’s political and democratic history, describing him as a courageous leader, patriot and Pan-Africanist who dedicated his life to the pursuit of freedom, justice and democracy.

Ruto said the mausoleum would serve as more than Raila’s final resting place, describing it as a lasting testament to his contribution to the country.

The President also recalled his political partnership with Raila in pushing back against ethnic and divisive politics.

“Hapo mbeleni tulikuwa na siasa ya chuki na ukabila lakini mimi na Raila tukasema lazima tuungane ndio tumalizane na hio siasa ndio kila sehemu ya Kenya inufaike,” Ruto said.

On development in Siaya, the President made a raft of promises to the people, saying the government had set aside Ksh.18 billion for road projects covering more than 200 kilometres.

He also announced plans to begin construction of the Mau Summit-Rironi road and extend the route through Kisumu, Malaba and Eldoret.

“In Siaya, we have set aside Ksh.18 billion to build more than 200 km of roads in this region so that it is the same as other regions. Before December, ile barabara kubwa Raila alidesign ya Lake Victoria Ring Road of 500km, we will come to launch it. I promise you that Nyanza will never be left behind again,” he said.

“We have also agreed that any development that takes place in Nairobi is also done here. The Mau Rironi Summit Road, before next year, we will have started building it from Mau Summit to Kisumu, then Malaba, then Eldoret, and we will make it a dual carriageway.”

The President further said the government had allocated Ksh.300 billion towards reviving and extending the stalled railway line from Naivasha to Kisumu and Malaba.

“Ile reli ilikwama pale Naivasha nimeweka pesa, Ksh.300 billion to build it to Kisumu, Malaba mpaka Uganda,” he said.

Mama Ida later formally dedicated the mausoleum to God and invited the church to bless the grounds, saying the site should remain a sanctuary of peace and a reminder of Raila’s life of public service.

The ceremony culminated in the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by Ruto and Mama Idah before a memorial service got underway at Kang’o ka Jaramogi.