Editor's Review

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, on Thursday, joined President William Ruto in receiving the body of ODM leader Raila Odinga at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, on Thursday, October 16 morning, joined President William Ruto in receiving the body of ODM leader Raila Odinga at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

The Kenya Airways (KQ) plane carrying the remains of the former Prime Minister touched down at JKIA at 9:35 AM.

Odinga’s body was also received by his close family members, including Mama Ida Odinga, Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, Raila Odinga junior, and Rosemary Odinga.

Other prominent leaders who were present were Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, KANU Chairman Gideon Moi, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Defence CS Soipan Tuya, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Junet Mohammed, Gladys Wanga, among other leaders.

Thousands of supporters of the former prime minister also turned up at JKIA to join his family in receiving his body. The supporters of the ODM leader briefly brought everything to a standstill at the airport. 

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Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto at JKIA. 

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.

Uhuru, in a statement on Wednesday, mourned Raila as a towering statesman and a personal friend.

He said the news of Raila’s passing had left a deep void in the country and in his own heart.

"My heart is heavy, and my spirit is burdened with a grief that is both profound and deeply personal. The news of Raila’s passing has left a silence that echoes across our nation, a silence where once there was a voice of thunder and conviction," he said.

Screengrab of Raila Odinga's supporters at JKIA. 

Raila’s body is now set to be taken to the Lee Funeral home in Nairobi before being moved to Parliament Buildings between 12 pm and 5 pm for public viewing.

On Friday, 7, a State Funeral in honour of Raila will be held at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi. The service will bring together dignitaries from across the world.

The former Prime Minister will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, in a state funeral at his home in Bondo, Siaya County, next to the graves of his late father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and son, Fidel Odinga.