Kenya Airways Adds More Flights to Kisumu Ahead of Raila Odinga’s Burial

Kenya - 17 October - Kenya Airways has expanded its flight schedule to Kisumu over the weekend to cater to the overwhelming number of passengers travelling to the lakeside city for the burial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

In a statement released on Friday, October 17, the national carrier confirmed that it had increased flight frequencies and upgraded aircraft on the Nairobi–Kisumu route to ensure travellers experience minimal disruption during this period of national mourning.

“We’ve increased our flight frequency to Kisumu over the weekend to accommodate the high travel demand,” the airline said.

Odinga, who passed away on 15 October, will be laid to rest on Sunday at his family home popularly known as Kang’o ka Jaramogi.

The burial will follow a funeral service at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.

His body will lie in state at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu, on Saturday, October 18, where members of the public will have the opportunity to pay their final respects. Later that evening, his remains will be taken to Opoda Farm in Bondo for a night vigil.

Additional Flights and Aircraft Upgrades

To accommodate the surge in demand, Kenya Airways announced several new flights and aircraft upgrades on the busy Nairobi–Kisumu route.

On Friday, October 17, two additional flights, KQ656 departing at 1:30 p.m. and KQ658 departing at 7:00 p.m., were introduced to ease congestion.

On Saturday, October 18, flights KQ650 at 6:50 a.m. and KQ654 at 8:05 a.m. were upgraded to the larger Boeing 737 aircraft, allowing the airline to carry more passengers per trip.

The adjustments will continue into Sunday, October 19, with KQ654 (8:05 a.m.) and KQ671 (7:00 p.m.) also upgraded to Boeing 737s to accommodate travelers heading to the funeral. Additionally, Kenya Airways confirmed that on Monday, October 20, flights KQ654 and KQ670 will both be operated by Boeing 737s to handle the expected return traffic from Kisumu.

“We remain committed to ensuring seamless travel for all our guests,” the airline reiterated, noting that it was working to ensure passengers could travel conveniently despite the surge in bookings.

Kenya Airways’ announcement comes amid reports that most of its flights to Kisumu had been fully booked for the weekend.

The increased capacity is expected to ease travel challenges for mourners, dignitaries, and supporters of Odinga journeying from across the country to bid farewell to the veteran politician and statesman.