Uhuru receives Raila
On the morning of Thursday, October 16, retired President Uhuru Kenyatta joined President William Ruto at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to receive the body of ODM leader Raila Odinga.
The Kenya Airways (KQ) flight carrying the remains of the former Prime Minister landed at JKIA at 9:35 AM.
Odinga’s family was there to honor him, including his wife Mama Ida Odinga, Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, Raila Odinga Junior, and Rosemary Odinga.
Several notable leaders were also in attendance, such as Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, KANU Chairman Gideon Moi, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Defence CS Soipan Tuya, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Junet Mohammed, Gladys Wanga, and many others.
A large crowd of supporters gathered at JKIA to stand in solidarity with Odinga’s family, momentarily halting activities at the airport as they paid their respects to the beloved leader.
Raila passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 80 after experiencing a cardiac arrest while taking a morning walk at an Ayurvedic treatment center in India.
The former Prime Minister was quickly taken to a private hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead.
Uhuru released a heartfelt statement on Wednesday, remembering Raila as a remarkable statesman and a dear friend.
He expressed that the news of Raila’s death has created a significant void in the nation and in his own heart.
“My heart is heavy, and my spirit is burdened with a grief that is both profound and deeply personal. The news of Raila’s passing has left a silence that echoes across our nation, a silence where once there was a voice of thunder and conviction,” he said.
Raila’s body is set to be taken to the Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi before it’s moved to the Parliament Buildings for public viewing between 12 PM and 5 PM.
On Friday, the 7th, a State Funeral in honor of Raila will take place at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, gathering dignitaries from around the globe.
The former Prime Minister will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, during a state funeral at his home in Bondo, Siaya County, right next to the graves of his late father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and his son, Fidel Odinga
Uhuru receives Raila
