NAIROBI, Kenya – Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has revisited the emotional journey to bring the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga home from India, thanking the Indian government, Kenya Airways, the flight crew, fellow passengers and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) for their roles in the operation.
In a tribute shared on X on October 16, 2026, Sifuna recalled the difficult journey to Mumbai in October 2025 following news of Raila’s death, describing it as one of the most gruelling experiences of his life.
The senator revealed that he had kept his Kenya Airways boarding passes for flights KQ202 and KQ203, which carried members of the Kenyan delegation during the journey.
“I couldn’t tell you what the toughest part of the day was, receiving the news in the morning or taking that flight to Mumbai,” Sifuna wrote.
His recollection offered a personal account of the grief, logistical challenges and extraordinary coordination involved in returning the veteran opposition leader’s body to Kenya.
Sifuna Thanks Indian Authorities For Emergency Assistance
Sifuna expressed gratitude to the Indian High Commission in Nairobi and the Indian authorities for facilitating the delegation’s travel under difficult circumstances.
He acknowledged the assistance provided to help the team travel to Mumbai following Raila’s death on October 15, 2025, while he was in India receiving medical treatment.
“I don’t know how many rules of international travel were bent to make that flight happen. Ahsante sana,” the senator said.
His remarks highlighted the diplomatic cooperation involved in arranging urgent travel after the death of a prominent Kenyan political figure abroad.
Raila’s death triggered nationwide mourning and preparations for his body to be returned home for a state farewell.
How The Flight Became RAO001
Among the most memorable moments Sifuna recalled was the return flight’s call sign being changed to RAO001 as the aircraft entered Kenyan airspace.
The call sign, incorporating Raila’s initials, became a symbolic tribute to the former prime minister as he made his final journey home.
“Bwana, on the way back, we thought our tears had dried, then she hit us with that call change to RAO001 when we entered our airspace. Wacha tu. God bless,” Sifuna wrote.
The senator singled out Captain Saviemaria Ondego for her role in the mission, praising the flight crew and Kenya Airways leadership for their professionalism during the emotionally charged assignment.
For the delegation, the journey was more than a routine international flight. It marked the homecoming of a political leader whose decades-long career shaped Kenya’s multiparty politics, constitutional reform and opposition movement.
Sifuna Apologises To Passengers Affected By Disruptions
The senator also apologised to ordinary passengers whose travel plans were disrupted by the emergency arrangements.
He acknowledged that some travellers had their seats reassigned or lost their places on the flight to accommodate the delegation.
Sifuna said flight KQ202 experienced significant delays and noted that some passengers only understood the seriousness of the situation after the captain addressed them on board.
“Apologies for the inconveniences on that day, but you were very gracious. God bless,” he said.
His message recognised the inconvenience caused to passengers while expressing appreciation for their patience during a period of national grief.
KDF Honours Leave Lasting Impression
Sifuna reserved special appreciation for the Kenya Defence Forces, thanking the military for the honours accorded to Raila during his return to Kenya.
“The KDF. Bwana, for the honour extended to Baba, we, his people, will forever be grateful. Salute,” he wrote.
