NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya Airways has released a heartfelt onboard tribute delivered during the repatriation flight carrying the body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga from India to Nairobi on Thursday morning.
The airline renamed the aircraft RAO001 — in honour of Odinga’s initials — as a symbolic gesture recognising his lifelong contributions to Kenya’s democracy and history.
The tribute, narrated by Captain Saviemaria Ondego, paid homage to the late leader’s towering influence in Kenya and across Africa.
“Today, we acknowledge a significant loss felt across Kenya and Africa,” Captain Ondego said in the announcement. “On behalf of the Kenya Airways family, we extend our deepest condolences on the passing of the Right Honourable Raila Odinga — a visionary leader and Pan-Africanist whose influence transcended borders.”
The captain described Raila as a staunch supporter of Kenya Airways whose advocacy helped shape the growth of the aviation sector.
“His legacy will inspire us as we pursue greatness and unity in propelling Africa’s prosperity,” the message continued.
In a statement accompanying the recording, the national carrier expressed condolences to Odinga’s widow, Mama Ida Odinga, the Odinga family, and all Kenyans, describing Raila as “a respected leader who believed in the power of connection — both in people and in progress.”
Odinga, 80, died in Kochi, India, where he had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness.
His body was received at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday morning ahead of a state funeral service at Nyayo Stadium on Friday, attended by government officials, foreign dignitaries, and thousands of mourners.
On Saturday, the body arrived in Kisumu for public viewing at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo before his final journey to Bondo, Siaya County, where a private burial will take place on Sunday.
Kenya Airways said it was proud to play a role in the historic homecoming of a man who “dedicated his life to uniting Kenya and championing Africa’s place in the world.”
