[PHOTOS] United in Grief: Ruto, Uhuru stand with Raila’s family as body arrives home

Draped in the Kenyan flag, the casket was received by President William Ruto and Mama Ida Odinga

by JAMES GICHIGI

News16 October 2025 - 11:10

In Summary

The military band, fully dressed in ceremonial uniform, stood in formation beside the runway, rehearsing slow, solemn tunes to accompany the official reception.
Their discipline and attention to detail reflected the significance of the occasion as the country awaits the return of one of its most respected statesmen.

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President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta stood side by side with the family of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday morning, offering consolation as the nation received the body of the late former PM.

Moments earlier, the airport had been placed under tight military and police security as preparations intensified for the arrival of the Kenya Airways flight carrying Odinga’s remains from India.

Other top government officials present were Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi.

The leaders were among the first to arrive at JKIA to oversee arrangements before the Head of State arrived at the venue at 9:08 am.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki comforts Oburu Odinga at JKIA/DPCS

Draped in the Kenyan flag, the casket was received by President William Ruto and Mama Ida Odinga, as the nation welcomed home the remains of the man widely regarded as the father of devolution and a pillar of democratic struggle.

The body was received with military honours before being placed on the gun carriage for transport to Lee Funeral Home under tight security.

A military gun carriage has already arrived at the airport, accompanied by members of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) military band.

The officers were seen polishing the tyres of the gun carriage to ensure it gleamed as brightly as possible before the arrival.

The military band, fully dressed in ceremonial uniform, stood in formation beside the runway, rehearsing slow, solemn tunes to accompany the official reception.

Their discipline and attention to detail reflected the significance of the occasion as the country awaits the return of one of its most respected statesmen.

Emotions ran high as supporters turned up at JKIA early Thursday morning, donning shirts and hoodies branded with Raila’s name or the ODM logo.

The national carrier’s KQ203 was specially assigned the call sign RAO001 as it entered Kenyan airspace, a rare gesture of respect marking Odinga’s final journey home.

The presence of both Ruto and Uhuru signalled a moment of unity in grief, as political differences were set aside to honour the departed leader.