ODM leader Dr Oburu Oginga has thanked President William Ruto for supporting the construction of a mausoleum in honour of his late brother, Raila Amolo Odinga, describing the facility as a monument to Kenya’s struggle for democracy.
Speaking during the handover ceremony of the Raila Odinga Mausoleum at Kango ka Jaramogi, Oburu said the facility would serve not only as Raila’s final resting place but also as a centre for preserving Kenya’s political history and democratic journey.
“This mausoleum is not just a place of rest; it stands proudly as a living centre of democracy,” Oburu said.
He said the centre would house a state-of-the-art library containing historical archives, research materials and digital repositories documenting Kenya’s struggle for democratic liberation.
It will also feature a gallery and exhibition spaces showcasing political artifacts, speeches and key moments in the country’s constitutional development.
Oburu said the facility would provide a space where scholars, students and members of the public could study and debate Kenya’s political history and democratic ideals.
He linked the project to the political legacy of his father, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and Raila, describing it as a continuation of a multigenerational struggle for democratic reforms.
“Jaramogi sacrificed comfort, status, and freedom to fight for internal self-governance, institutional reforms, and the birth of multiparty democracy,” he said.
According to Oburu, Raila later carried forward that legacy through Kenya’s second liberation struggle, institutional reforms and the push that culminated in the 2010 Constitution.
The ODM leader also highlighted the role of the Orange Democratic Movement in Kenya’s political history, saying the party had been central to the struggle for multiparty democracy, devolution and institutional accountability.
He said ODM’s participation in the broad-based government had contributed to political cooperation and the implementation of key national programmes.
Oburu cited the National Infrastructure Fund, the Social Health Authority (SHA), fertilizer subsidies, expansion of the Sovereign Wealth Fund and education reforms addressing teacher shortages among initiatives he said demonstrated the benefits of political cooperation.
However, he challenged the government to complement infrastructure development with greater investment in employment opportunities, particularly for educated young people.
“Our greatest concern today lies with our educated young men, brilliant, capable youth who have gone through school but find themselves at crossroads without job opportunities,” he said.
Oburu warned that unemployment and lack of economic opportunities could leave young people vulnerable to destructive behaviour and urged the government to channel its efforts towards industrial, technological and agricultural job creation.
“True democratic stability is anchored on economic dignity,” he said.
Oburu expressed gratitude to President Ruto for what he described as his commitment to preserving Raila’s memory and legacy, saying the family appreciated the President’s role in ensuring the project was completed.
He also thanked the Ministry of Defence, Kenya Defence Forces, Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Public Works for delivering the project.
He said the multi-agency team, led by the KDF, worked around the clock to complete the centre within three months.
Oburu announced that the official opening of the mausoleum would be held on October 15, 2026, when the facility will be opened to the public.
He also disclosed that he was attending the ceremony while following doctors’ directives to rest and limit his physical engagements.
“Even as I take this forced rest, my spirit, mind, and heart are fully present,” he said.
Oburu concluded by thanking Kenyans who had contributed to the preservation of Raila’s legacy and expressed hope for a more prosperous, united and peaceful Kenya.
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