NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday morning led the country’s top leadership in receiving the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, whose death in India on Wednesday plunged the nation into mourning.
The Head of State arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) shortly after 9:00 a.m., moments after his deputy, Kithure Kindiki, who was among the first senior officials to oversee final preparations for the solemn homecoming.
The national carrier, Kenya Airways flight KQ203, carrying the remains of the late opposition leader, changed its call sign to RAO001 as it entered Kenyan airspace — a symbolic gesture honoring Odinga’s decades-long contribution to Kenya’s democracy.
The aircraft was expected to touch down at around 9:30 a.m., marking a poignant moment for millions of Kenyans who revered the veteran politician.
Among those present at JKIA were top government officials, senior politicians from across the political divide, and close family members.
National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga were also in attendance, reflecting the unity of purpose during the national mourning period.
Flags at the airport and across the country continued to fly at half-mast following a presidential directive, as thousands of Kenyans gathered along the designated routes to pay their last respects.
Security around the airport was tightened ahead of the arrival, with the motorcade expected to proceed to the Lee Funeral Home for brief formalities.
Odinga’s body will later be flown to Kisumu before being transported by road to his rural home in Bondo for an overnight vigil, ahead of a series of national farewell ceremonies in the coming days.
