Raila Odinga’s Body Arrives at JKIA Ahead of State Funeral Preparations

NAIROBI, Oct 16 — The body of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga arrived in Nairobi on Thursday morning aboard a Kenya Airways flight from Kerala, India, where he passed away on October 15 following a cardiac arrest.

A somber mood engulfed Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as the national flag-draped casket was received by President William Ruto, First Lady Rachel Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Chief Justice Martha Koome, and a host of senior government officials. Members of the Odinga family, including Mama Ida Odinga, and the couple’s children were also present, visibly emotional as the body of the veteran politician was lowered from the aircraft.

Military pallbearers from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) carried the casket in full ceremonial honor as the national anthem played, marking the official commencement of state funeral protocols. A 19-gun salute was performed in tribute to Odinga’s decades of service to the nation.

The government confirmed that the late leader will lie in state at Parliament Buildings for two days, allowing the public to pay their final respects before the burial set for Friday, October 17, which has been declared a public holiday.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said the arrangements reflect the country’s deep respect for Odinga’s immense contribution to Kenya’s political history. “This will be a moment for the country to come together and celebrate the life of a man who dedicated his entire existence to democracy, unity, and justice,” Kindiki stated.

A national organizing committee has been coordinating preparations for the state funeral in Bondo, Siaya County, where dignitaries from across Africa and beyond are expected to attend. Heads of state, regional leaders, and representatives from global institutions have already begun arriving in Nairobi ahead of Friday’s service.

President Ruto, in his brief address at JKIA, described Odinga’s return as “a solemn homecoming of one of Kenya’s greatest patriots.” He added:

“Today, we receive Baba not in sorrow alone, but in gratitude — for the courage, vision, and enduring hope he gave to our country. Kenya has lost a statesman, but his legacy will live forever.”

Following the brief ceremony, the cortege left JKIA under tight security and was escorted to Lee Funeral Home, where the body will remain before being transferred to Parliament for public viewing.

Thousands of Kenyans are expected to line up along major roads in Nairobi and later in Bondo to pay their respects to the man who defined Kenya’s opposition politics for over four decades.

As the nation prepares for the state funeral, Kenya remains united in mourning — reflecting on the life, struggles, and legacy of Raila Amolo Odinga, a man many simply knew as Baba.