President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta stood side by side at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday morning as the body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga arrived from India. Draped in the Kenyan flag, the casket symbolized the nation’s collective grief and reverence for a man widely regarded as the father of devolution and a pillar of Kenya’s democracy.
The solemn occasion was marked by tight security as the Kenya Airways flight carrying the remains specially designated with the call sign RAO001 landed at JKIA. President Ruto, joined by Mama Ida Odinga, led the nation in receiving the body with full military honours. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi were also in attendance, underscoring the magnitude of the moment.
A Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) military band, dressed in full ceremonial attire, performed slow, solemn tunes as officers stood at attention beside the runway. The casket was later placed on a gleaming gun carriage bound for Lee Funeral Home under heavy escort.
Emotions ran high as supporters gathered at the airport from the early morning hours, many wearing T-shirts and hoodies emblazoned with Raila’s image and the ODM logo.
The rare unity displayed by President Ruto and former President Kenyatta sent a powerful message of reconciliation, transcending political divisions to honour one of Kenya’s most influential statesmen.
As the gun carriage rolled away, the air was filled with both pride and sorrow — a fitting tribute to a leader whose vision and resilience left an indelible mark on Kenya’s political landscape.
