Mourning Raila Odinga in pictures

A Kenya Airways aircraft, flight code RAO 001, descended gracefully from the morning sky and touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at exactly 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 16. The special code, RAO 001, the initials of Raila Amollo Odinga, was a fitting tribute to a man whose name had become synonymous with Kenya’s political struggle and resilience.

As the plane taxied to a halt, two fire engines arched twin jets of water above it in a majestic ceremonial salute, a time-honoured aviation gesture reserved for moments of great honour and farewell. The misty spray caught the sunlight, forming a fleeting rainbow, a delicate curtain over a moment steeped in national grief.

From the gates to the runways, thousands had gathered since dawn, many draped in orange, waving flags and portraits of the man they fondly called Baba. Chants of “Baba! Baba!” echoed across the tarmac, merging with the distant hum of jet engines.

Tears streamed freely as the casket, draped in the Kenyan flag, was slowly offloaded, marking the return of a leader who had spent decades fighting for democracy and justice.

So massive was the outpouring of emotion that security barriers briefly gave way, as mourners surged forward for one last glimpse.

(Photos: wilberforce Okwiri, David Gichuru,Standard/PCS/Courtesy)