The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) has announced that the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum in Bondo, Siaya County, will remain closed to the public for three months to facilitate major construction works at the heritage site.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, NMK confirmed that the facility was shut on Monday, July 20, and will not reopen until Friday, October 30. Members of the public and tourists have been urged to avoid the site during this period, as no visitors will be granted access until the construction is fully completed.
The closure clears the way for the building of the Raila Odinga mausoleum, a permanent memorial dedicated to the late former Prime Minister. The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) is carrying out the construction, which is scheduled for completion by the end of October.
The government, through the Ministry of Culture, had previously released Ksh30 million to fund both the new Raila memorial and the renovation of the existing Jaramogi mausoleum.
Architecturally, the new Raila Mausoleum will adopt a pentagonal design, distinguishing it from the hexagonal Jaramogi Mausoleum erected in 1995. The five-sided structure is meant to symbolize strength, unity, and collective purpose.
Once finished, the complex will house a research center, a library, digital archives, and an amphitheater, with NMK set to participate in managing the facilities.
The Bondo site remains a key destination for visitors interested in Kenya’s political, cultural history and continues to fall under the stewardship of the National Museums of Kenya.