Raila Odinga’s Body Arrives JKIA
Wrapped in the colors of the Kenyan flag, the casket was received by President William Ruto and Mama Ida Odinga, as the nation paid tribute to the man celebrated as the father of devolution and a cornerstone of democratic progress.
The body was honored with military rites before being placed on a gun carriage for its journey to Lee Funeral Home, all under tight security.
A military gun carriage had already arrived at the airport, accompanied by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) military band.
Officers were seen meticulously polishing the tyres of the gun carriage, ensuring it shone brightly in anticipation of the arrival.
The military band, dressed in their ceremonial uniforms, stood in formation beside the runway, practicing slow, solemn melodies to mark the official reception.
Their discipline and meticulousness underscored the importance of the moment as the nation awaited the return of one of its most revered leaders.
Emotions ran high as supporters gathered at JKIA early Thursday morning, wearing shirts and hoodies emblazoned with Raila’s name or the ODM logo.
To maintain order, members of the public were restricted from accessing the main entrance, while those gathered outside the airport were kept at a distance under the watchful eye of security personnel.
On the plane carrying Raila’s body was a distinguished delegation led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
Among them were Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, and Migori Senator Eddy Oketch.
Representing the Odinga family was EALA MP Winnie Odinga, who came to honor the late statesman on behalf of his loved ones.
Raila’s body will be taken to Lee Funeral Home, where it will stay before being moved to Parliament for public viewing.
The late Prime Minister is set to receive a state funeral with full honors, as announced by Ruto, with a national committee co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga managing the arrangements.
As per Raila’s Will, he expressed a wish to be buried within 72 hours of his passing.
A public funeral service is set to take place this Friday at Nyayo Stadium, with the burial happening on Sunday in Kango Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, right next to his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and his son, Fidel.
The nation is currently in a seven-day mourning period, with flags flying at half-mast and Friday officially recognized as a public holid
Raila Odinga’s Body Arrives JKIA
