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
Raila’s name or the ODM logo.
Members of the public were blocked
from accessing the main entrance to prevent commotion, while those who have
gathered outside the airport are being held at a distance under close watch by
security personnel.
Aboard the plane carrying Raila’s
body was a high-level delegation led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia
Mudavadi.
They included Nairobi Governor
Johnson Sakaja, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Kikuyu MP Kimani
Ichung’wah and Migori Senator Eddy Oketch.
From the Odinga family, EALA MP
Winnie Odinga was present, representing the late statesman’s loved ones.
Raila’s body will now be transported
to Lee Funeral Home, where it will remain before being moved to Parliament for
public viewing.
The late Prime Minister will receive
a state funeral with full honors as declared by Ruto, with a national committee
co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga
overseeing the arrangements.
According to Raila’s Will, he wished
to be buried within 72 hours of his death.
A public funeral service is
scheduled for Friday at Nyayo Stadium, followed by burial on Sunday in Kango Ka
Jaramogi, Bondo, beside his father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and son Fidel.
The country is observing a seven-day mourning period, with flags flying at half-mast and Friday declared a public holiday.
