Kenya came to a standstill this morning as the body of Raila Odinga arrived from India aboard a chartered flight. Touching down at 9:30 am, the homecoming sparked emotional scenes at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), where thousands of mourners defied security barriers to get a final glimpse of their beloved “Baba.” The procession later moved to Lee Funeral Home before heading to Kasarani Stadium for public viewing.
Highlights
- Raila’s body arrived at JKIA at 9:30 am aboard a chartered flight from India.
- Thousands of supporters flooded the airport, forcing temporary suspension of operations.
- Emotional tributes and chants of “Baba! Baba!” filled the air as the casket was offloaded.
- The body was transferred to Lee Funeral Home before being taken to Kasarani Stadium.
- Social media lit up with grief, memories, and messages of unity from across the country.
Main Story
Tears and Chaos at JKIA
The nation’s grief turned into an overwhelming public spectacle as Raila Odinga’s body landed at JKIA. A military guard of honour received the chartered aircraft shortly after 9:30 am, but within minutes, crowds broke through barriers, chanting and waving flags in a spontaneous show of affection.
Watch flight carrying the body
Security officials struggled to contain the surge, forcing airport authorities to briefly halt operations. Videos shared online showed emotional supporters kneeling on the tarmac and waving twigs as the casket, draped in the national flag, was moved to a waiting military vehicle.
From JKIA to Lee Funeral Home
After the tense scenes at the airport, the convoy carrying Raila’s body made its way to Lee Funeral Home. Hundreds lined the roads, many holding placards and portraits of the late leader. Government officials, family members, and close allies accompanied the body as Nairobi’s traffic slowed to a crawl.
watch moaners at Lee funeral home in honour of Raila Odinga
Outside Lee Funeral Home, mourners sang liberation songs and recited Raila’s famous rallying calls, describing him as a “true son of the soil” and “the people’s president.”
Massive Crowds at Kasarani Stadium
Initially, the public viewing was planned for Parliament grounds, but due to the massive turnout, the venue was shifted to Kasarani Stadium. By the time the body arrived, tens of thousands had already filled the stands, waving flags and singing in unity.
Security was tight, with several entry points manned by police and the military. Inside, the atmosphere was somber yet electric a blend of mourning and celebration of Raila’s decades-long political journey.
Public Reaction Online
Social media platforms erupted with grief and nostalgia. Hashtags like #BabaForever, #FarewellRaila, and #KenyaMourns dominated timelines.
Kenyans shared old campaign clips, heartfelt tributes, and emotional photos, with many describing the moment as “the end of an era.” Political leaders and public figures posted condolences, calling for peace and unity during this period of mourning.
As Kenya gathers to bid farewell, one question lingers in the air how will the nation carry forward the dream that Baba fought for all his life?
