Preparations are in top gear at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, where Raila Odinga will be buried.
Raila was initially meant to be buried next to his mother, Mary Odinga, but the family later decided he would rest beside his father Jaramogi Odinga. A night vigil will be held at the Opoda home on Saturday night.
The compound is busy as engineers, builders, and workers race against time to complete his final resting place before the ceremony on Sunday, October 19.
Engineer Maurice Akech, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Construction Authority, is leading the work. He said the construction is delicate and requires constant supervision. The team has been working day and night to make sure everything is ready in time for the burial.
A tree that once stood on the site was removed earlier in the week to clear space for the tomb. The ground is being carefully backfilled in stages so that the soil does not press against the supporting walls and cause instability.
Why Raila Odinga Tomb will not be Filled with Soil
Unlike ordinary graves, Raila Odinga’s tomb will not be filled with soil. After the inside is tiled and plastered, only a small amount of symbolic soil will be placed inside, the traditional “soil to soil” gesture.
After that, the engineers will seal the space using formwork made of mabati sheets and steel reinforcements such as D12 bars.
Once the ceremony is complete, a concrete slab will be poured directly on-site, also known as “in situ,” to close the grave. The slab will be left to dry before a final finishing layer is added later.
The structure around the grave will then be built up to resemble a tomb, just like that of Raila’s father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
According to Engineer Akech, the tomb is designed to be permanent, strong, and dignified. The construction ensures that the resting place remains secure and stands the test of time as a lasting monument for one of Kenya’s most influential leaders.
By Vivian K.