The Kenya Airways flight carrying the body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has landed safely at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.
Flight RAO001 touched down shortly after 9:30 am on Thursday, October 16, 2025, after a six-hour journey from Mumbai, India, bringing home the remains of one of Kenya’s most influential leaders.
From as early as dawn, emotional crowds dressed in orange, the colour long associated with Odinga’s political movement, lined the road leading to the airport. Many supporters and mourners travelled from across the country to witness the historic moment. Some carried flags and portraits of the late leader, while others sang liberation songs and chanted his name in tribute.
At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, security was significantly heightened as the government prepared to receive the body of the former Prime Minister.
President William Ruto, former president Uhuru Kenyatta, senior government officials, family members, and dignitaries gathered on the tarmac for the solemn arrival ceremony.
As the aircraft taxied to a stop, a hush fell over the crowd. Kenya Airways crew members stood in silence as pallbearers in ceremonial uniform carried the flag-draped casket from the plane. The moment was marked by emotion and dignity as family members and political allies fought back tears.
The body was then placed in a hearse and escorted under tight security to Lee Funeral Home. Along the route, hundreds of Kenyans lined the roads, waving flags and singing songs in honour of “Baba,” whose influence spanned generations.
Security has also been intensified at Parliament Buildings, where Raila Odinga’s body will lie in state for public viewing in the coming days. The government has urged the public to observe order as thousands are expected to turn up to pay their final respects.
The arrival of Raila Odinga’s body marks the beginning of a series of national events leading to his burial on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at his home in Bondo, Siaya County.
