Military personnel took charge at dawn on Thursday, October 16, 2025, turning Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) into a fortress of solemn duty and national grief. They prepared to receive the body of Kenya’s fallen hero, Raila Odinga — a towering figure whose legacy transcended politics and deeply touched the soul of the nation.
Security tightened not only at JKIA but also at Parliament, where the late leader’s body will lie in state for the public to pay their final respects.
This comes in the wake of President William Ruto’s solemn declaration that Raila Odinga will be honoured with a State Funeral befitting a true statesman.
The country braces itself under heightened security measures ordered by a National Security Council meeting chaired by President Ruto, ensuring peace and order during these fragile moments of mourning.
This directive came after unfortunate attacks by disguised criminals exploiting grief-stricken crowds in Nairobi.
At JKIA, access is tightly controlled, as the nation waits with bated breath. President Ruto, alongside senior officials, is set to receive Raila’s body at 9:30 am, marking the beginning of a final journey home.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, co-chair of the funeral committee, confirmed that Raila Odinga will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19 — fulfilling his wish to be buried within 72 hours of his passing.
As Kenya mourns, the eyes of a nation remain fixed on JKIA — where a leader returns home, and a country unites in grief and remembrance.
What’s Known: Raila Odinga’s Repatriation & Procession Plans
- Death and initial arrangements in India
- Raila Odinga passed away in Kochi, India after suffering a cardiac arrest while on a morning walk.
- The Indian government has offered assistance in the repatriation of his remains, at the request of the Kenyan government.
- Kenyan delegation to India
- President William Ruto appointed Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to lead a high-level delegation to India. Family members and senior government officials are part of this delegation.
- The delegation’s role includes coordinating with Indian authorities and overseeing the logistics involved in bringing his remains home.
- State funeral and national mourning
- Kenya has entered a seven-day period of national mourning.
- It has been announced that Raila Odinga will be accorded a State Funeral with full honors.
- Expected arrival and funeral procession route
- His body is expected to arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) around 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2025.
- Upon arrival at JKIA, the body will be received by President Ruto and other dignitaries.
- The remains will then be taken to Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi, before a public viewing session at Parliament in the afternoon from around midday until 5:00 p.m.
- A State Funeral service is scheduled for Friday. After that, the body will be taken to his Karen home for an overnight vigil.
- Subsequent public viewings & burial details
- On Saturday, the body will be flown to Kisumu for another public viewing at Moi Stadium (9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.). After that, it will travel by road from Kisumu to Bondo for an overnight vigil.
- The burial is expected to take place on Sunday, October 19, at his home in Bondo, Siaya County, in line with family tradition. It will be conducted under the Anglican Church, also in line with his faith.
- Security and logistics
- Security has been tightened across Nairobi, especially at JKIA and along the procession routes. The military and police are involved in managing operations ahead of the arrival of the body.
- The national funeral committee, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Senator Oburu Odinga (his brother), is overseeing the arrangements together with the Odinga family.
With quiet dignity and solemn honor, the Kenya Airways crew carried out the deeply significant task of flying back the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga and the accompanying delegation from Mumbai.
In that sacred journey homeward, the crew became more than stewards of flight — they became guardians of a nation’s grief, entrusted with a towering legacy and the collective mourning of millions.
Their professionalism, compassion, and grace under the weight of history will forever be remembered as part of this moment of national sorrow.
