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Raila Odinga’s supporters gather at JKIA ahead of his body’s arrival
16th October, 2025 08:29 AM
Supporters of the late Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga have begun gathering at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) ahead of the arrival of his body from India on Thursday, 16 October 2025.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, Odinga, died on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, while receiving treatment in India.
The motional crowds, dressed in orange attire, the colour long associated with Odinga’s political movement, lined the road leading to the airport from as early as dawn.
Also watch: Kenyans’ views on Raila’s death.
Security has been heightened around the airport and major entry routes as the government prepares to receive the body of the former Prime Minister.
Similarly, security has been heightened at Parliament Buildings where his body will lay for public viewing.
The aircraft carrying Odinga’s body is expected to land at 9:30 a.m., where President William Ruto, top government officials, family members, and dignitaries will officially receive him.
In a statement on Thursday, October 16, 2025, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi called for unity and calm during this period of national mourning.
He spoke when he led the Kenyan delegation in receiving Odinga’s body in Mumbai, India, for repatriation from the Indian Authorities.
“May his journey home unite us in reflection, respect, and shared love for our country,” the statement concluded.
Also watch: Atwoli calls for unity after Raila’s death
The flight
The Kenya Airways flight, tasked with taking the Kenyan delegation to Mumbai, India, to arrange 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.
