The body of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga arrived in the country Thursday morning, draped in the Kenyan flag and received with full military honours at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). President William Ruto and Mama Ida Odinga led the nation in welcoming home the remains of a man celebrated as the father of devolution and a pillar of Kenya’s democratic struggle.
The solemn ceremony saw the casket placed on a military gun carriage under tight security, marking the beginning of the late statesman’s final journey. The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) military band, dressed in ceremonial uniform, stood in formation beside the runway, playing slow, mournful tunes as the body was received. Officers were seen polishing the gun carriage to ensure it gleamed in honour of Raila’s legacy.
Emotions ran high as supporters gathered outside JKIA from the early hours of the morning, many wearing shirts and hoodies bearing Raila’s name and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) logo. Security personnel maintained tight control, blocking access to the main entrance and keeping crowds at a safe distance to ensure order during the official reception.
Aboard the Kenya Airways plane that carried the body from Mumbai, India, was a high-level delegation led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. Others included Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, and Migori Senator Eddy Oketch. From the Odinga family, EALA MP Winnie Odinga was present to represent the family.
After the ceremony, the body was transported to Lee Funeral Home for preservation before being moved to Parliament Buildings, where members of the public will have a chance to pay their final respects.
President Ruto has declared that Raila will be accorded a state funeral with full honours. A national committee co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Odinga is overseeing the arrangements.
A public funeral service will be held on Friday at Nyayo National Stadium, followed by burial on Sunday in Kango Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, where Raila will be laid to rest beside his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and his son, Fidel Odinga.
According to his will, Raila had wished to be buried within 72 hours of his death.
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