The lakeside city of Kisumu came to a standstill on Saturday morning as the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga arrived aboard a military helicopter, marking the start of his final journey home.
The aircraft, coded ENIGMA01, touched down at 7:20 am amid heightened security and solemn silence from thousands of mourners who had gathered to witness the historic moment.
Raila was honoured with a ceremonial military water salute upon landing, symbolising his final return to the region that shaped much of his political and personal life.
Military officers in full dress uniform oversaw the transfer of his flag-draped casket to Mamboleo Stadium, where members of the public will have a chance to view his body throughout the day.
An interfaith prayer service will open the viewing ceremony, led by religious leaders from various denominations. The service is expected to reflect Raila’s lifelong message of peace and unity. Authorities have appealed to mourners to maintain calm as the city braces for a massive turnout.
Security has been reinforced across Kisumu, with both the Kenya Defence Forces and National Police Service coordinating operations to ensure the proceedings remain peaceful. Officials have emphasised that Raila’s farewell must embody the values he championed—order, peace, and respect.
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o urged residents to celebrate Raila’s life through peace and dignity.
“People in this region love peace. Let that be proven on Saturday, so that we don’t let down our party leader, the Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga, his family, the Kenyan nation, and the international community,” he said.
“Let us go down in history as a community that bid farewell to our leader in a dignified and civilised manner.”
The public viewing in Kisumu is part of a series of national events paying tribute to Raila’s legacy as a tireless champion for democracy, justice and inclusion. His return to the lakeside city marks a powerful moment in Kenya’s collective mourning and reflection.
After the viewing, the body will be flown to his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County, where a State burial will take place on Sunday. The final ceremony will be attended by family, dignitaries, and senior government officials. Raila will be buried in accordance with his wish to rest within 72 hours of his passing.
The veteran politician died in India on October 13, 2025, where he had travelled for medical treatment. His family said he was expected to return home the following day. His remains were flown back to Kenya on Thursday and received at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by President William Ruto and Ida Odinga.
On Friday, a State Funeral was held at Nyayo National Stadium, attended by thousands of mourners, marking the beginning of a seven-day national mourning period in honour of the late leader.