A massive crowd of mourners that flooded Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday morning, October 16, 2025, to receive the body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga forced the military and airport security to abandon the carefully planned official reception ceremony.
According to the initial program, Raila’s flag-draped casket was to be placed on a wheeled military carrier for a formal state reception led by President William Ruto, alongside former President Uhuru Kenyatta, senior government officials, and top ODM party leaders.
However, shortly after the Kenya Airways flight RAO001 — formerly KQ203, renamed in honour of the late leader — landed at 9:33 a.m., the situation spiralled out of control. Thousands of emotional supporters, chanting Raila’s name and waving ODM flags, broke through security cordons and surged onto the airport tarmac, making it impossible to proceed with the official protocol.
Faced with the overwhelming crowd, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and airport security were forced to suspend the formal reception and instead escort Raila’s body to Lee Funeral Home, surrounded by thousands of mourners.
In a historic gesture, the arriving aircraft was saluted with water jets from fire trucks as it taxied on the runway — the first-ever such tribute accorded to a Kenyan leader.
Nation Declares Day of Mourning
The government has declared Friday, October 17, 2025, a public holiday in honour of Raila Odinga’s enduring legacy. A State Funeral Service will be held at Nyayo Stadium beginning at 8 a.m., followed by an overnight vigil at his Karen residence.
On Saturday, the body will be flown to Kisumu, then transported by road to Bondo, Siaya County, for burial on Sunday under Anglican Church rites.
Raila Odinga, aged 80, passed away on Wednesday in India after suffering a cardiac arrest. His return to the country marks a deeply emotional moment for millions of Kenyans, closing a historic chapter defined by his resilience, reformist spirit, and lifelong pursuit of justice and democracy.
