Kenya Airways increases number of flights to Kisumu ahead of Raila’s burial
The Kenya Airways company has announced a change of operations on flights bound for Kisumu ahead of Raila Odinga’s burial ceremony in Bondo, Siaya County.
In a post on the Kenya Airways official X account on Friday, October 17, 2025, Kenya Airways announced an increased flight frequency to Kisumu over the weekend to accommodate the high travel demand to Kisumu.
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Likewise, Kenya Airways confirmed that the additional flights will be KQ656, expected to depart at 1330 HRS, and KQ658, which is expected to depart at 1900 HRS on Saturday, 18 October,” KQ said.
“We’ve increased our flight frequency to Kisumu over the weekend to accommodate the high travel demand. Friday, 17 Oct: Additional flights KQ656 (1330 HRS) & KQ658 (1900 HRS) Saturday, 18 Oct, KQ said.
On the other hand, Kenya Airways revealed that the company has further upgraded its flights to Boeing 737, which is bound to depart on Sunday, October 19, 2025, on the day of Raila Odinga’s burial.
Likewise, Kenya Airways confirmed another upgrade addition of KQ654 flight to a Boeing 737, KQ671 to a Boeing 737, KQ654 to a Boeing 737, and flight KQ670 to a Boeing 737.
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“Additional flights KQ650 (0650 HRS) and KQ654 (0805 HRS) upgraded to Boeing 737 Sunday, 19 Oct: KQ654 (0805 HRS) upgraded to Boeing 737. KQ671 (1900 HRS) upgraded to Boeing 737 Monday “KQ 654 upgraded to Boeing 737, and KQ 670 upgraded to Boeing 737,” KQ announced.
On the other hand, Kenya Airways announced its commitment to ensuring seamless travel for guests, as a number of guests are expected at the late Raila Odinga’s burial in Bondo.
“We remain committed to ensuring seamless travel for all our guests,” KQ wrote.
Kenya Airways’ special tribute to Raila
Meanwhile, this comes just a day after Kenya Airways made a rare and special tribute to the late Raila Odinga by changing its call sign midair to RAO001 upon entering Kenyan airspace.
In a heartfelt announcement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Kenya Airways confirmed that Flight KQ203 would switch to RAO001 at approximately 8:50 am as it crossed into Kenya’s skies.
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The gesture, according to the national carrier, is meant to honour and respect the memory of the veteran opposition leader who passed away on Wednesday morning in India.
“KQ203 will change to RAO001 as soon as we reach Kenyan airspace at around 8:50 a.m. to honour and respect our departed leader. ETA at JKIA is 9:30 am,” the statement posted by the airline read.
