NAIROBI, Kenya — Emotional scenes unfolded at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday morning as the body of former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga arrived from India aboard a Kenya Airways flight at 9:39 a.m.
Live broadcasts on Citizen TV and Azimio TV showed a solemn state reception led by President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, as Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) pallbearers offloaded the flag-draped casket onto the tarmac.
Security was tight around the airport, with military and police officers cordoning off key sections as crowds of mourners gathered outside, chanting “Baba, Baba!” and waving ODM flags.
A hush fell over the runway as the national anthem played and clergy led prayers before the casket was placed in a waiting motorcade bound for Lee Funeral Home under heavy escort.
Across Nairobi and other major towns, Kenyans watched the live coverage in silence, marking the beginning of a seven-day national mourning period for the man who had long been regarded as the father of Kenya’s democracy.
