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Kenya was cast into collective mourning on Thursday morning as the body of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), marking the beginning of a solemn week of national tribute to one of the country’s most iconic and influential leaders.
At exactly 9:40 a.m., a Kenya Airways aircraft carrying the remains of the late opposition leader touched down in Nairobi from Mumbai, India.
In a symbolic tribute, the national carrier changed the plane’s call sign to KQ RAO001 as it entered Kenyan airspace — a gesture of honour to the initials of a man many referred to as 'Baba'.
Waiting on the tarmac was a high-powered delegation of political elites and government officials, drawn from across the political divide. President William Ruto led the solemn state reception, flanked by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
Also present were opposition and ODM leaders, led by Deputy Party Leader and Kisii Governor Simba Arati, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta was also there to receive the body.
Their presence, alongside Cabinet secretaries, MPs, senators, and senior clergy from the Anglican Church of Kenya, underscored the national unity in grief.
As the cargo doors of the aircraft opened, a solemn Christian hymn echoed across the tarmac, performed by a military band.
Uniformed pallbearers marched in precision to receive the casket, which was draped in the Kenyan flag.
Bishops stood in prayer as the coffin was gently lowered and carried down the steps by the military.
The body was accompanied by Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who led the official delegation to India, and Raila’s widow, Dr. Ida Odinga, elder brother Dr Oburu Oginga.
Ida was visibly shaken and emotional as she was embraced by family, friends, and party officials.
Outside the restricted area, thousands of mourners had gathered, waving flags, holding portraits of Raila, and donning T-Shirts and caps with ODM colours.
Police officers had a hectic time controlling the surging crowd, as mourners jammed the airport’s access roads, some chanting liberation songs, others weeping openly.
The mood was sombre, united by a profound sense of loss for a man regarded as the “father of the second liberation.”
The arrival of Raila Odinga’s body marks the start of a seven-day national mourning period with President Ruto ordering the national flag to fly at half-mast across the country in honour of the former premier's life and legacy.
From midday Thursday, the body lies in state at Parliament Buildings, allowing Kenyans to pay their last respects until 5 p.m.
A State funeral will be held Friday at Nyayo Stadium, where local and international dignitaries are expected to attend.
The body will then be taken to his Karen residence for an overnight vigil.
On Saturday, the procession will move to Kisumu’s Moi Stadium for public viewing, before heading to his final resting place in Bondo, Siaya County.
He will be buried on Sunday, in line with his wish to be laid to rest within 72 hours of his passing.
The events at JKIA offered more than a ceremonial homecoming — they revealed the immense weight of Raila Odinga’s legacy.
In life and in death, he united a divided nation, drawing admiration from allies and rivals alike.
The shared silence, bowed heads, and collective grief painted a picture of a country mourning not just a politician, but a statesman.
The body was offloaded to a military vehicle in waiting to be transited to Lee Funeral home.
Plans to hold a brief ceremony at JKIA was not able to take place due to the mass commotion of supporters and had to be called off as the procession to Lee started.
Supporters overwhelmed the police and scuttled the program as earlier set forcing the state ordelies to make abrupt adjustments.
