Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has announced that the body of the late Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga is expected to land at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 9:30 a.m.
In an update on Thursday, October 16, Mudavadi, who is leading a Kenyan delegation tasked with facilitating the repatriation of Raila, said all the preparations have been completed.
The Prime CS noted that upon arrival at JKIA, Raila’s body will be received by President William Ruto.
“Arrived safely in India with the Kenyan delegation to facilitate the repatriation of the body of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga. We have secured his body, and preparations are complete for his return home.
“The aircraft carrying the body of this great son of Kenya is scheduled to land at JKIA at 9:30 am on Thursday, where he will be received by H.E. President William Ruto and the nation he so dearly loved. May his journey home unite us in reflection, respect, and shared love for our country,” Mudavadi said.
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The delegation, which comprises Hassan Joho, Kipchumba Murkomen, Opiyo Wandayi, William Kabogo, Kimani Ichung’wah, Edwin Sifuna, Governor Johnson Sakaja, and Eddy Oketch, among others, left the country on Wednesday afternoon aboard a Kenya Airways Plane.
Raila passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 80 after suffering a cardiac arrest during a morning walk at an Ayurvedic treatment facility in India.
The former Prime Minister was rushed to a private hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Speaking on Wednesday at State House, Nairobi, President Ruto announced that Raila will be accorded a state funeral.
The Head of State also declared seven days of national mourning following Raila's death. During this period, all flags will fly at half-mast at the State House and all Kenyan diplomatic posts around the world.
Meanwhile, a national funeral committee, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, on Wednesday evening announced that Raila will be buried within 72 hours of his death.
According to the programme, Raila’s body upon arrival at JKIA will be moved to Parliament Buildings between 12 pm and 5 pm for public viewing.
On Friday, October 17, a State Funeral in honour of Raila will be held at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi.
"On Friday from 8am, there will be a state funeral service of the late Raila Odinga at Nyayo Stadium. This state funeral service is expected to be attended by dignitaries and VVIPs from outside Kenya.
"It is a state event and it will be conducted in accordance with the protocols of state events to give respect to the stature of our fallen hero," Kindiki announced.
After the service, Raila’s body will be taken to his Karen home for an overnight before leaving for Kisumu on Saturday, October 18, where there will be a public viewing at Moi Stadium between 9 am and 3 pm.
Raila will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, at his Bondo home beside the graves of his late father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and son, Fidel Odinga.
The funeral will be conducted by the Anglican Church in accordance with Raila's faith and family traditions.
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