Bondo is a small but historical town located in the peaceful shores of Lake Victoria in the Siaya County in the former Nyanza Province.

Its most famous feature is the home of Raila Amolo Odinga who is one of the most influential Kenya political leaders.

Bondo is no longer a mere fishing and trading centre but a rich centre of culture, education, and politics a place where there is a merge between the traditional and the modern.

Location and Geography

The distance between Bondo and Kisumu City is approximately 64 kilometres and Nairobi is approximately 400 kilometres.

It is a destination endowed with hilly terrain, fertile plants and the vast waters of Lake Victoria that determine the way of life and the economy of its people.

It has got a tropical climate, and it is warm throughout the year and the rainfall is moderate meaning that it supports the agricultural activities and fishing which is the life blood of the livelihoods of the people living there.

History and Heritage

The Luo culture is entrenched in Bondo.

It was founded at the beginning of the 20th century as a small fish and agriculture marketplace centre.

As time went by, it has come to be a political legacy, closely associated with the Odinga family, starting with the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, the first Vice President of Kenya and one of the key figures in the fight of independence of this country.

The son of Jaramogi, Raila Odinga, has continued with the legacy of Bondo and made it a symbol of strength, political awareness and pride of the community.

Also Read: Inside Devamatha Hospital Where Raila Odinga Spent His Final Moments

Culture and People

Bondo is mainly Luo, a people who highly cherish tradition, narratives and songs.

There is great hospitality to the visitors, which resembles the spirit of communality in the town.

Dholuo is a common language, but English and Swahili are also common particularly at school and business.

Economy and Livelihood

The nearby Lake Victoria has helped Bondo to maintain the economy based on fishing.

Agriculture is also the other thriving enterprise in the town where maize, sorghum, groundnuts, and horticultural crops are grown.

Small-scale businesses, education and real estates development have generated growth in the past years.

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) being a learning institution and innovation hub has led to the establishment of Bondo.

Tourist Attractions

In addition to its political popularity Bondo has a variety of attractions:

Lake Victoria – ideal boat ride, birds and fishing trips.

Got Ramogi Hills – a cultural and sacred place that is thought to be the birthplace of Luo.

The family history and the political history of Kenya are preserved in Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum in nearby Kang’o Ka Jaramogi.

The visitors can get to enjoy the events of daily life, lively markets and the traditional Luo food in Ndori Market and Bondo town centre.

Also Read: What Is a State Funeral and How Many Have Been Held in Kenya?

Infrastructure and Development

Bondo has experienced a lot of infrastructural development during the past 20 years.

Its roads to the various areas such as Siaya, Kisumu and Usenge are well made promoting trade and movement.

The increasing facilities in modern times like banks, hotels, healthcare centers, and schools have also increased.

Nevertheless, these changes do not eliminate the rustic value of the town; there are red-soiled streets, outdoor markets, and in the evenings one can hear fishermen coming back to the lake.

Significance and Identity

To most Kenyans Bondo is not just a town, it is a token of political boldness and identity. It is the source of Raila Odinga, his roots, wisdom and inspiration.

The homestead of the Odinga family in Kang’o Kajaramogi can be regarded as the pilgrimage place of the supporters of Odinga as well as history lovers.

Bondo is the soul of Nyanza politics and permanent soul of the Luo people, proud, hopeful and very much connected with its past.

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Jaramogi oginga Odinga masoleum in Bondo
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