A somber mood filled Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Thursday morning as the body of Raila Odinga arrived back home to a solemn State reception.
President William Ruto, alongside Mama Ida Odinga, led the nation in receiving the remains of the man long hailed as a champion of democracy and the architect of devolution.
Military honours marked the occasion, with the Kenya Defence Forces band performing slow, dignified tunes as officers lined up in precise formation along the runway.
The ceremonial gun carriage, freshly polished and gleaming, awaited to bear the casket draped in the national flag. Security personnel maintained tight control around the airport, with members of the public kept at a distance to prevent commotion as emotions ran high among supporters gathered outside.
Raila’s remains were placed on the gun carriage and transported to Lee Funeral Home, escorted by military officers. Hundreds of supporters, many wearing clothing bearing his name and party symbols, waved flags and sang tribute songs as the convoy departed.
Onboard the aircraft that brought the body home was a delegation led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. Others in the team included Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, and EALA MP Winnie Odinga, who represented the family.
The body will lie in state at Parliament Buildings for public viewing before the national funeral service scheduled for Friday at Nyayo Stadium. Raila will be laid to rest on Sunday at his rural home in Kango Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, beside his father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and his son Fidel.
President Ruto had earlier directed that the former Prime Minister be accorded a full State Funeral, with the planning committee co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga.
According to his Will, Raila had requested to be buried within 72 hours of his passing. The government declared a seven-day mourning period, ordered flags to fly at half-mast, and gazetted Friday as a public holiday in honour of the veteran leader.