NAIROBI, Kenya – The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) has temporarily closed the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum in Bondo, Siaya County, to allow for extensive renovation and the construction of a new memorial for the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The closure took effect on July 20, 2026, and the site is expected to remain inaccessible to the public until October 30, 2026.
In a public notice, NMK apologised for the inconvenience and advised visitors to avoid the area during the renovation period. The shutdown coincides with a government-led initiative to upgrade the historic site and build a separate mausoleum for Raila Odinga at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, adjacent to the existing memorial of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice-President and a seminal figure in the country’s independence struggle.
NMK had advertised a tender for the dual project in June, covering both the construction of the proposed Raila Odinga Mausoleum and alterations to the current facility. Construction officially commenced on July 20 following the formal handover of the site by the Odinga family. The development is designed to transform the location into a larger heritage and memorial destination celebrating the Odinga family’s enduring contribution to Kenya’s political history.
The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum currently operates as a museum and memorial centre dedicated to Jaramogi’s life and legacy. It also houses exhibits on Luo culture and other personalities linked to Kenya’s political evolution. The facility has undergone previous rehabilitation efforts aimed at preserving its historical collections and strengthening its role as an educational and heritage centre. The latest works are intended to further enhance the site’s appeal as a tourist attraction.
The temporary closure follows the death of Raila Odinga and subsequent plans to establish a permanent memorial in his honour. NMK indicated that normal access to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum is scheduled to resume on October 30, 2026, though the reopening date may be adjusted depending on the progress of ongoing construction.
Once completed, the expanded complex is expected to serve as a significant cultural landmark, drawing visitors interested in Kenya’s post-colonial history and the Odinga family’s pivotal role in shaping the nation’s democratic trajectory.
