The nation united in grief on Thursday morning as the body of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) aboard a government aircraft. Draped in the Kenyan flag, the casket was received with full military honours by President William Ruto, Mama Ida Odinga, and top government officials.
A Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) military band, resplendent in ceremonial uniform, stood in solemn formation beside the runway, playing slow tunes as the plane carrying Raila’s body touched down at around 9:30 a.m. Their discipline and precision reflected the gravity of the occasion as Kenya welcomed home one of its most respected statesmen a man fondly remembered as the father of devolution and a pillar of democratic struggle.
The gun carriage, gleaming after meticulous polishing by officers, was readied to carry the casket to Lee Funeral Home under tight security. Members of the public, many donning ODM-branded shirts and hoodies, gathered outside the airport, though access to the main entrance was restricted to prevent commotion.
Aboard the aircraft was a high-level delegation led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, alongside Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, and EALA MP Winnie Odinga, representing the Odinga family.
Raila’s body will lie at Lee Funeral Home before being moved to Parliament Buildings for public viewing. According to his Will, he wished to be buried within 72 hours of his death.
A public funeral service will be held on Friday at Nyayo Stadium, followed by his burial on Sunday at Kango Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, beside his father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and son Fidel Odinga.
Kenya is currently observing a seven-day mourning period, with flags flying at half-mast and Friday declared a public holiday to honour his legacy.
