Kenyan delegation secures Raila Odinga’s Body in India
By Nancy Marende, October 16, 2025The Kenyan delegation arrived safely in India to facilitate the repatriation of the body of the late Raila Amolo Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, aged 80.
The delegation is led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen and Hassan Joho, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, and Minority Leader Junet Mohammed, as well as members of the Odinga family, including Jaoko Oburu Odinga, Kevin Opiyo Odinga, and Mama Ida Odinga.
In a statement on Thursday morning, October 16, 2025, Mudavadi revealed that all arrangements for the return of the former Prime Minister’s body have been finalised.
“We have secured his body and preparations are complete for his return home,” the statement read.
Further, he revealed that the aircraft carrying the body of the revered statesman is scheduled to land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, where it will be received by President William Ruto, senior government officials, family members, and thousands of Kenyans expected to gather in his honour.
The government has called for unity and calm during this period of national mourning, emphasising that Odinga’s legacy of democracy, justice, and patriotism should inspire reflection and solidarity across the nation.
“May his journey home unite us in reflection, respect, and shared love for our country,” the statement concluded.
Kenya Airways flight KQ202
The Kenya Airways flight KQ202, tasked with the repatriation of Raila’s remains, became the most tracked flight in the world.
According to the Flightradar24 data that was shared by KQ via social media moments after the plane landed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai, the flight was followed by over 7,080 people online.
The national carrier confirmed in a brief statement in the wee hours of Thursday, October 16, 2025, that the aircraft had landed in Mumbai, where the body of Kenya’s former Prime Minister and iconic statesman was prepared for return to Nairobi.
“The most tracked flight. KQ 202 to Mumbai, ready to bring home Baba, Raila Odinga,” a brief caption accompanying an image with Flightradar24 data read.
Over 7,000 users simultaneously monitored KQ202’s trajectory, a rare display of global attention usually reserved for heads of state or historic events.