Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga /FILE
The construction of a mausoleum dedicated to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is set to begin after the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) invited bids from qualified contractors for the project.
In a tender notice, NMK announced plans for the construction of the proposed Raila Odinga Mausoleum and the renovation of the existing Jaramogi Mausoleum in Bondo Sub-County, Siaya county.
The project, listed under Tender No. NMK/T/03/RAO/MAUS/2025-2026 is open to all eligible and qualified contractors.
According to the notice, interested bidders can obtain tender documents from the National Museums of Kenya headquarters on Museum Hill in Nairobi upon payment of a non-refundable fee of Sh1,000 or download them free of charge from the institution's website.
A mandatory pre-bid conference has been scheduled for June 19, 2026, at 11.00 am at Jaramogi Odinga's home, popularly known as "Kang'o Ka Jaramogi", in Bondo subcounty, where the project will be undertaken.
Completed tender documents are to be submitted to the Director General of the National Museums of Kenya by June 25 at noon, after which the bids will be opened in the presence of tenderers or their representatives.
The planned mausoleum will add to the historical significance of the Odinga family home, which has long been regarded as a key landmark in Kenya's political history.
The project will also see the renovation of the mausoleum of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya's first Vice President and one of the country's foremost independence-era leaders.
The facility also preserves the history of Kenya's struggle for independence and showcases aspects of Luo cultural heritage.
Opened in 1995 by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, the mausoleum has become one of the country's most significant political heritage sites. Over the years, it has hosted notable visitors, including President Uhuru Kenyatta, who toured the facility in 2018.
In 2019, the National Museums of Kenya undertook rehabilitation works at the site for Sh8 million.
The museum houses an extensive collection of photographs documenting Jaramogi's political journey and Kenya's post-independence history.
Among the exhibits are his personal belongings, including walking sticks and other items associated with his public life.
The facility also showcases traditional Luo cultural artefacts such as spears, shields, bows and weapons, some of which were used by Jaramogi during his tenure as a Luo community leader.
Visitors can also view portraits and photographs of prominent African leaders, including Nelson Mandela, Kwame Nkrumah and Haile Selassie, as well as Kenyan freedom fighters and political figures such as JM Kariuki, Pio Gama Pinto and Dedan Kimathi.
In addition, the museum displays photographs of all Kenyan presidents and prime ministers since independence, making it an important repository of the country's political and cultural history.
