Military personnel took over operations at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport ahead of the arrival of the body of late Raila Odinga.
The personnel were
also in charge at Parliament, where the body was to be taken for public viewing
on Thursday afternoon.
This is after President William Ruto announced Odinga will be accorded a State Funeral.
Security was tight
at the airport and parts of the city ahead of the arrival of the body.
A National Security
Council meeting chaired by President Ruto ordered enhanced security across the
country.
Inspector General of
Police Douglas Kanja ordered more personnel to be deployed to major urban areas
in the next three days before the burial of Odinga.
This was after goons
disguised as mourners attacked and robbed motorists and pedestrians in parts of
the city on Wednesday after the announcement of the death of Odinga.
At the airport,
police barred people they deemed unnecessary from accessing the security
installation.
The body was scheduled
to arrive at the airport at about 9.30 am, and President Ruto was to receive the
body alongside other dignitaries.
Police mounted
operations across the city ahead of the arrival of the body.
A team set up to organise the State Funeral of Odinga,
co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, confirmed that the former Prime
Minister will be buried on Sunday, October 19, in line with his family's wishes.
Speaking during a press briefing in Karen after
the news of his demise on Wednesday, Kindiki, who is the chair of the National
Funeral Committee, said Raila had indicated to the family that he wished to be
buried within 72 hours of his death.
The DP confirmed that, in line with Ruto's proclamation, Raila would be accorded a State Funeral with all the honours of a statesman.
"It's expected that we will move quickly in
the next few days for the reason communicated by the family following
consultations by the family and the lawyer. We have been advised by the family
that it was Raila's wish to be buried within the shortest time possible, and the
family has communicated that it's 72 hours," Kindiki said.
Kindiki outlined the process from repatriating
Raila's body to the burial slated for Sunday at his Bondo home was ongoing.
The Kenya Airways flight that carried his body from Mumbai in India was expected to land in Nairobi on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at about 9 am.
Security was tight at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport ahead of the arrival of the body..
9:30 am - The plane carrying Raila's body touches down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). The body is received by the President and members of the family, then escorted to the Lee Funeral Home.
12:00 pm - 5:00 pm - The body is moved to the
Parliamentary buildings in the Nairobi CBD for public viewing. There will also
be public grieving places where Kenyans can watch the proceedings across the
country.
5:00 pm - Raila's body returns to Lee Funeral Home.
Friday
8:00 am - A State funeral service is held at
the Nyayo Stadium, which is expected to be attended by dignitaries and VVIPs
from outside Kenya. After the event, the body is moved to Raila's Karen home
for an overnight stay.
Saturday
9:00 am - 3:00 pm - The body leaves Nairobi for
Kisumu for public viewing at the Moi Stadium. Afterwards, the body travels by
road from Kisumu to Bondo for an overnight stay.
Sunday
Burial to be conducted according to the traditions
of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK).
