Ruto: Raila was a ‘once-in-a-generation’ leader who shaped Kenya’s history

Bondo, Kenya – President William Ruto has described the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as a "once-in-a-generation" leader, emphasizing his decades-long impact on Kenya's public and political life. On Wednesday, Ruto commissioned the mausoleum of the former Prime Minister at Kang'o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, where Raila was interred alongside his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.

The President asserted that Raila's contributions to the nation have left a lasting imprint on Kenya's political and democratic evolution. Ruto further stated that the mausoleum would serve as a crucial site for preserving Raila's legacy and showcasing his impact on the country for generations to come. The inauguration follows closely on the heels of Raila's death in October 2025, marking the first anniversary of his passing.

The President's comments appeared in the wake of Raila's extensive career in Kenyan politics, which included activism, parliamentary leadership, government service, and opposition politics. Raila served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 under the Grand Coalition Government and continued to be a significant figure in the country's political sphere for many years.

The mausoleum at Kang'o Ka Jaramogi is designed to stand as a permanent memorial, offering Kenyans a means to learn about Raila's life, political career, and contributions to the nation. Its preservation is part of broader efforts to document pivotal moments in Kenya's history and Raila's role in shaping the country's political trajectory.

The commissioning of the mausoleum is part of a series of events commemorating the first anniversary of Raila's death, with further tributes planned in Bondo and other regions across the country. Raila, aged 80, passed away on October 15, 2025, while undergoing medical treatment in India. His demise prompted both national and global tributes to one of Kenya's most distinguished political personalities.