Kang’o Ka Jaramogi: Inside Odinga Family’s Expansive Bondo Home with Mausoleum, Family Graveyard
- Jaramogi Oginga Odinga's homestead in Bondo doubles as a mausoleum and family memorial, housing several burial sites, including that of Fidel Odinga
- The expansive compound, rich in history and Luo tradition, features multiple residences, including Raila Odinga’s first house
- A quote inside reads "Freedom has a price," capturing the legacy of one of Kenya’s founding fathers
The home of Raila Odinga's father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, serves as a mausoleum and includes family burial sites, including that of Fidel Odinga.
Source: Youtube
Inside Kang’o Ka Jaramogi
Located in Bondo, the compound is accessed through a green gate and a paved road lined with mature trees. Former comedian Jalang’o gave a tour of it before becoming MP.
A second gate leads deeper into the homestead, where a lion statue greets visitors. The path continues to the main mausoleum.
Search option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner ;)
The compound features multiple buildings, including Raila's first house, painted green with wooden walls. This house is called Simba, the traditional first house a Luo man builds in his father's homestead.
Source: Youtube
Oburu Odinga's former house is also located within the grounds.
"This is the sacred place. This is where Jaramogi is resting," a guide explained.
The mausoleum has a unique architectural design, with pillars extending from the roof to the ground.
Nearby stands the main house where Raila and his siblings were raised.
Jaramogi had four wives in total, each with her own house in the vast compound. Raila’s mother, the first wife, had a house facing the gate, in line with Luo tradition.
Source: Youtube
“The third wife now lives in Kisumu, while the second, who had disagreements with Jaramogi, lives in Nairobi.
The fourth wife is still alive and moved back to her parents’ home. There is also a house for a fifth wife, whom Jaramogi inherited,” the guide said.
The mausoleum includes two lion sculptures. It was officially opened by Nigeria’s General Olusegun Obasanjo.
Entry is through a carved wooden door. Inside lies another lion sculpture atop Jaramogi’s final resting place.
The floor is white with black accents, and multiple lights brighten the interior.
On one wall is a quote: "Freedom has a price," attributed to Jaramogi. There’s a section with historical photographs of him.
Source: Youtube
One of the houses was converted into the Jaramogi Memorial Museum, which displays personal items like hats and shoes. He had a private bedroom where none of the wives were allowed. Even his shoes are preserved, and his iconic flywhisks are on display.
A separate building contains stuffed animals, including a buffalo head, a leopard, and a cheetah.
The guide then led the group to Fidel’s burial site. The family graveyard, enclosed by a wall, contains several graves.
Where was George Oduor trained?
The Odinga family recently lost George Oduor, who started his journey as a dedicated youth active in opposition politics and grew into a well-trained security aide for Raila.
Over time, he became more than a bodyguard, earning the trust of the Odinga family through unwavering dedication and perseverance.
From accompanying Jaramogi's remains to Bondo to standing by Raila during tense situations, Oduor’s path reflected steadfast commitment shaped by experience and loyalty.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
