NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 30 — The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has pledged its support for the establishment of a Raila Odinga Museum in Bondo and announced plans to launch an annual international conference in honour of the late statesman, celebrating his legacy in democracy, diplomacy and governance.
The commitment was made on Friday by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei during a solemn ceremony at the Odinga family home in Karen, where he presented Mama Ida Odinga with a special compendium of condolence messages and memorabilia honouring her late husband, Raila Amolo Odinga.
“The Ministry stands ready to work with you and your family as you develop the idea of a museum back home in Bondo, in honour and commemoration of the life, legacy and contribution of Raila Odinga,” Sing’Oei said.
The event, attended by diplomats, senior government officials, scholars and family members, served both as a moment of remembrance and an expression of Kenya’s appreciation for the global solidarity shown following Raila’s death.
Sing’Oei said the presentation symbolised the gratitude of the Government of Kenya and the Foreign Service for Raila Odinga’s lifelong service, as well as the support extended to the country and the Odinga family by international partners during the period of national mourning.
He noted that at critical moments in Kenya’s history, Raila consistently chose dialogue over confrontation and placed the long-term good of the nation above personal ambition, both domestically and internationally.
Global leaders
The compendium consists of four volumes. The first contains original tributes and condolence messages from heads of state and government, while the second and third volumes feature reflections from global leaders and international institutions.
A fourth volume completes the collection, illustrating the breadth of international admiration for the late statesman.
Sing’Oei said the volumes were intended for posterity, adding that additional sets would be deposited at the Kenya National Archives, the Kenya National Library Service, the Foreign Affairs Library, and the Foreign Affairs Gallery at Uhuru Gardens to enable public access.
He further revealed plans to establish an annual conference named after Raila Odinga, which will bring together scholars, diplomats, statesmen and practitioners from Africa and around the world to deliberate on democracy, diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution.
“In view of Raila Odinga’s immense contribution to democracy and the peaceful resolution of conflicts, we are establishing an annual conference in his name,” Dr Sing’Oei said.
“With your permission, we will be able to do this every year.”
During the ceremony, the Principal Secretary also congratulated Mama Ida Odinga on her nomination as a United Nations ambassador and representative to the UN offices in Nairobi and UNEP, describing the appointment as fitting given her long record of public service.
Deeply moved
Receiving the volumes, Mama Ida expressed gratitude on behalf of the family, saying they were deeply moved by the global outpouring of support.
“It is a great honour to know that people far beyond our immediate circle remembered and honoured Raila,” she said. “Being his wife for 52 years was a privilege. He was a great family man, and now that he is gone, we must carry his legacy and live according to his dreams.”
She also thanked President William Ruto and the government for ensuring that Raila’s final wishes were respected and for the support extended to the family during a difficult period.
Raila Odinga, who died on October 15, 2025, in India at the age of 80, was one of Kenya’s most influential political figures.
A freedom fighter, reformist and five-time presidential contender, he stood at the centre of the country’s political life for more than four decades and is remembered by many as “the president Kenya never had.”
Born in January 1945 to Kenya’s first Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Raila rose to prominence in the 1980s as a fierce critic of the one-party state, enduring detention without trial for his activism.
He later became a key architect of Kenya’s multiparty democracy and a towering voice for reform across Africa.
