Kenya Airways Captain Saviemaria Ondego has shared her deeply emotional experience flying the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body from Mumbai, India, to Nairobi. Raila, a towering figure in Kenya’s political history, passed away last Wednesday while receiving treatment in India, sending shockwaves across the nation.
Speaking to Citizen Digital, Captain Ondego revealed that the assignment came unexpectedly. “I woke up and went about my day as usual. But my supervisor called me when we learnt Raila had died, and said I was to bring his body back home,” she recounted.
The flight, coded RAO001, symbolized not just a routine repatriation but a historic moment for the country. Thousands of mourners gathered at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as the aircraft touched down, waving flags and holding candles in silent tribute. The national carrier’s professionalism and respect during the mission earned wide praise from Kenyans both at home and abroad.
Captain Ondego described the atmosphere onboard as “somber and heavy with emotion,” particularly noting the grief of Winnie Odinga, Raila’s daughter, who was on the flight. “It was a very sad day indeed, seeing her having lost her dear father. I really felt for her and the Odinga family,” she said.
Her co-pilot, First Officer Jason Mose, also paid tribute to Raila, describing him as a “true statesman and father of modern democracy.” He added, “We were all feeling sad as we repatriated his mortal remains back home. But as the cabin crew, we had to do the work bestowed upon us.”
As Kenya continues to mourn the passing of one of its most influential leaders, the story of the emotional journey aboard RAO001 remains a powerful testament to the nation’s unity in grief and the professionalism of Kenya Airways’ crew.
