The body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has arrived in Bondo, Siaya County.
The helicopter carrying his body touched down at 4.16 pm.
Upon its arrival at the Opoda Farm, mourners were heard wailing, with others blowing vuvuzelas.
The body was received by Raila's family with Mama Ida leading the family in viewing the body of the late Raila Odinga at Opoda Farm, Bondo
The body was airlifted to Bondo ahead of a night vigil and burial on Sunday.
Thousands of residents had gathered at Mamboleo in Kisumu to view the body of the former Prime Minister.
His casket was draped in the Kenyan flag.
Earlier plans indicated that the body was to be transported by road, but that changed.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo confirmed that the body will not be transported by road as earlier planned.
Instead, it will be flown directly from Kisumu’s Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium to Bondo for logistical and security reasons.
Omollo said the decision was reached after consultations with the National Funeral Steering Committee and the family, to ensure the late opposition leader receives a dignified and well-coordinated send-off.
“The body of the former Prime Minister will be flown directly to Bondo. We want to make sure the transition from Kisumu to his home is done smoothly and respectfully,” Omollo said.
Raila died on October 15 in India and will be buried on Sunday, October 19.
The former premier will be laid to rest next to his father, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, at Kang’o ka Jaramogi.
Earlier, Siaya Senator and Raila’s elder brother, Oburu Oginga, officially opened the Bondo home to mourners in a traditional ceremony known as tero ywak pacho, bringing the cry home.
Initially, Raila was to be buried next to his mother, Mary Odinga, but the family later agreed that he would rest beside his father.
