Siaya Governor James Orengo and President William Ruto will on Wednesday share a podium at the official handover and unveiling of the Raila Amolo Odinga Mausoleum in Bondo, bringing together two politicians whose relationship has been marked by sharp political differences since the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Ruto will lead the ceremony at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, where Raila was laid to rest alongside his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
The appearance comes against the backdrop of Orengo’s sustained criticism of the President over the political direction of the country and the future of the movement Raila built.
In recent months, Orengo has accused Rutoof weakening ODM, at one point saying the President had effectivel “killed” the party by undermining its political independence.
The governor has also questioned aspects surrounding Raila’s final days and death, making Wednesday’s encounter interesting, as Ruto returns to Bondo for an event centred on the former Prime Minister’s legacy.
Despite their political differences, Orengo will host the President at the ceremony as Siaya marks the completion of a permanent memorial to one of Kenya’s most influential political figures.
On Tuesday evening, Orengo confirmed that preparations for the event were complete after meeting Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, at Opoda Farm.
“Spent the evening with Dr Ida Odinga at Opoda Farm, followed by a final walkthrough at Kang’o ka Jaramogi,” Orengo said.
“Tomorrow, I am honoured to host the official handover of the Raila Amolo Odinga Mausoleum in Siaya. Karibuni Siaya!” he added.
The ceremony will be held exactly as Kenya approaches the first anniversary of Raila’s death.
Raila died in India on October 15, 2025, while receiving medical treatment.
The site will preserve the memory of both Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and his son Raila, effectively turning the family compound into a major national heritage and memorial site.
