President William Ruto has lauded the late prime minister Raila Odinga, for compelling his government to deliver equitable development across Kenya, despite the political divides.
President Ruto said that Raila’s life mission of ‘equitable transformation’ is what informed his charge to the current government to pursue development that does not discriminate against citizens based on geography, tribe, or their vote.
On the day of the dedication and handover of Raila’s mausoleum at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Siaya County, Bondo, President Ruto said that Raila had raised that charge against him, during the national executive talks, arguing that it is time for Kenya’s leaders to start delivering on matters of national interest based on consensus and not majoritarianism.
“He argued that our policies as a government must be inclusive, no matter who these people are, no matter where they come from, and no matter how they vote. I accept that charge that Raila raised against me and I am determined to make it happen. I will carry it and keep it alive,” said Ruto.
President Ruto spoke of several projects that he intends to use to transform Kenya based on the vision of Raila.
These projects include the Rironi-Mau Summit Highway dualization, the extension of Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Kisumu and Malaba, Isiolo-Mandera Highway, and the 500-km Lake Victoria Ring Road that will be completed by the end of this year.
President Ruto noted that Raila’s knowledge of Kenya’s geography inspired him to think of roads as enablers of economic opportunities and critical components of integrated transport networks.
“He had the fantastic memory of places and where they lead. He understood that a road is not just a ribbon of bitumen but a gateway to the community. I learnt a lot from Jakom. That is why we have to think of roads as enablers of economic opportunities,” President Ruto explained.
Ruto continued that as much as the government’s agenda is to build roads and other infrastructure, it would be essential to view these projects through the lens of ‘equitable transformation.’
“Every road that we are going to build in this forgotten corner will accelerate the equitable transformation of Kenya. And every road we build will be a monument and tribute to the man whose vision made it all possible,” he said.
President Ruto paid tribute to Raila by unveiling and dedicating the five-sided building at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi as Raila’s mausoleum. The President said the structure’s architecture is reminiscent of ODM’s Pentagon of 2007, symbolic of hope and togetherness, and an expression of a political philosophy that urged Kenyans to overcome ethnic divides and Kenya’s public life.
“This structure is symbolic of hope and unity. It is a reminder of the time when we as Kenyans were determined to transcend tribalism and come together to deliberate on matters of national interest. It is also a reminder of the victory of ideas over ethnicism and rivalries in Kenya’s politics,” said Ruto.
The President further said that while the mausoleum is a befitting tribute to Raila, he does not think a building can capture the magnitude of the man’s life and work.
“A building cannot hold Baba’s legacy. The stone might hold his memory, but a nation holds his promises,” said Ruto.
The government has set aside funds to ensure that the mausoleum remains a masterpiece and a popular destination for many years.
According to the official statement, the curation of Raila’s Museum will be under the National Museums of Kenya. The government announced that the museum will provide a historical perspective on Raila’s life and his contributions to Kenyan society.
The mausoleum was dedicated on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, as the government marked the first Monday of October as Raila Day. The event will be part of the activities as the government observes the first anniversary of the death of the former prime minister.