Raila Odinga: ODM leader's coffin draped in Kenyan flag, mourners line up streets to pay respect

A Kenya Airways flight code-named RAO001, in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga, whose initials form the acronym RAO, touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at exactly 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 16, carrying the remains of the man who for decades defined Kenya’s opposition politics.

The aircraft, which made the six-hour journey from Mumbai, India, received a ceremonial water salute upon arrival, a gesture usually to celebrate key events including the first flight of a new airline at an airport, the final flight of a particular route or a pilot's retirement, the delivery of a new aircraft. 

Water salutes symbolises respect, celebration or farewell. 

Thousands of mourners had gathered since dawn, many waving orange flags and wearing T-shirts emblazoned with the word Baba. The air was thick with emotion as chants of “Baba! Baba!” filled the morning sky. At one point, parts of the crowd surged forward, breaching security barriers in an attempt to glimpse the flag-covered casket.

Police overpowered at JKIA pic.twitter.com/C49bNevvIm

— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) October 16, 2025

According to flight-tracking data from FlightRadar24, the specially designated RAO001 became the most tracked flight in the world during its journey, with millions of Kenyans following its progress live online.

On board was a Kenyan delegation led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, alongside Odinga’s family, government officials, and senior members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

How #RAO001 touched down at JKIA.

Thank you @KenyaAirways, the pride of Africa. pic.twitter.com/sE7KWTWdK0

— Captain Kipkorir ?? (@CaptainKipkorir) October 16, 2025

At the airport, Raila’s widow Ida Odinga and their son Raila Junior were among those who received the body. Visibly grief-stricken, Ida clung to her son’s arm as uniformed pallbearers carried the casket down the red carpet to the military escort.

Raila’s body will lie in state at Parliament Buildings from noon to 5 p.m. to allow the public to pay their last respects before burial arrangements are finalised.

The ODM leader died on Wednesday morning in Kochi, India, after collapsing during his routine morning walk near Sreethariyam Ayurvedic Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment. According to Dr Alphonse, a cardiologist at Devamatha Hospital, the 80-year-old was brought to the emergency unit at 8:20 a.m. but attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.

Raila’s death marks the end of an era for a man celebrated as both a political icon and a master storyteller. Known to his supporters and political opponents as “mjamaa wa vitendawili,” he charmed crowds with riddles, parables, and proverbs that mixed humour with political insight.

At rallies, his call of “Kitendawili!” would spark the thunderous reply, “Tega!”, a chant that became symbolic of his deep connection with ordinary Kenyans.