NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has temporarily suspended operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) following a major security situation triggered by the overwhelming turnout of mourners who thronged the facility to witness the arrival of former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga’s body.
In a statement released Thursday, KCAA Director General Emile N. Arao said the precautionary closure was necessary to allow security personnel to restore order and ensure the safety of travelers and the public.
“Operations at JKIA have been temporarily suspended due to an ongoing security situation following the arrival of the remains of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga,” Arao said. “A large number of mourners gained access to restricted areas, prompting the closure to allow security teams to restore order.”
The statement advised members of the public to remain calm and avoid the airport area until further notice, assuring that normal operations would resume once the airport is declared secure, estimated to be within two hours.
The announcement came shortly after Odinga’s body arrived at 9:39 a.m. aboard a Kenya Airways flight from Mumbai, India, accompanied by a high-level delegation that facilitated the repatriation process. President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki led senior government officials and military officers in receiving the flag-draped coffin in a solemn ceremony at the airport.
Security forces, including the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the National Police Service (NPS), have since intensified control measures around the airport and along Mombasa Road, where hundreds of mourners gathered waving flags and chanting in tribute to the fallen leader.
KCAA expressed regret over the disruption, noting that a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) had been issued to all airlines and stakeholders, and assured that passenger safety and order remain a top priority.
Odinga’s remains were later transferred to Lee Funeral Home ahead of a public viewing at Parliament Buildings, marking the start of a seven-day national mourning period declared by President Ruto.
