Raila’s Body Arrives in Kenya
The remains of Raila Amollo Odinga, often referred to as the father of devolution, are currently on a Kenya Airways (KQ) flight and are set to arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 9:30 a.m.
Before leaving India, his body was draped in a Kenyan flag and will be welcomed at the Nairobi airport by President William Ruto, with military officers standing guard.
Senator Eddy Oketch from Migori County led prayers for the late Baba and the delegation prior to their departure from Mumbai to Kenya.
The high-profile delegation to India was headed by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and included notable figures such as Senator Oketch, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah. Raila’s youngest daughter, EALA MP Winnie Odinga, is also representing the family.
The esteemed statesman passed away from cardiac arrest while receiving treatment at an Ayurvedic facility. As announced by President Ruto, he will receive a state funeral with full honors.
A national funeral committee, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, has already started organizing the arrangements.
According to a detailed funeral program obtained by The Star, there will be four planning sessions for Raila’s burial: one at his home in Karen, another at his Opoda home, a third in Kisumu City, and a final committee meeting in Nairobi.
When he arrives in Kenya, his body will first be taken to the Lee Funeral Home, and then it will be moved to the Parliament Buildings for public viewing.
According to Raila’s wishes outlined in his will, he requested to be buried within 72 hours, with the countdown starting on Thursday.
A public funeral service is set to take place in Nairobi on Friday, honoring his wishes, before his body is flown to Siaya later that evening in preparation for the burial events on Sunday.
On Friday, a public prayer service will be held at Nyayo Stadium, followed by the burial on Sunday at the family’s resting place in Kango Ka Jaramogi, Nyamira, Bondo, next to the graves of his late father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and his son, Fidel Odinga.
In light of President Ruto’s announcement on Wednesday, the nation has entered a seven-day mourning period.
All the national flags are at half-mast today, and Friday has been officially declared a public holiday to honor the late opposition leader.
Raila’s Body Arrives in Kenya
