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The Ministry of Health has deployed 36 ambulances to provide emergency medical coverage during the reception of ODM leader Raila Odinga.
In a statement on Thursday, October 16, the ministry said the ambulances are equipped with basic life support (BLS) and advanced life-saving support (ALS).
The ambulances also have a qualified paramedic, nurse, and driver to ensure effective on-site response when necessary.
“The Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, has announced the mobilization of thirty-six (36) ambulances to provide emergency medical coverage during the reception of the body of the Late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on October 16, 2025.
“Dr. Oluga noted that each ambulance is fully equipped with Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) facilities and staffed with a paramedic, nurse, and driver, ensuring effective on-site emergency response and safe patient evacuation when necessary,” read the statement in part.
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The deployed ambulances include contributions from Kenya Red Cross (20), St. John Ambulance (4), Nairobi Disaster Service (3), Nairobi Emergency Services (8) Kenyatta National Hospital 1).
Oluga also noted that a Port Health ambulance will remain on standby at JKIA to provide supplementary medical support and coordinate with other responding teams.
Further, the Medical Services PS said mobilization efforts are ongoing to ensure full emergency medical coverage in Kisumu and Siaya Counties as national arrangements continue.
The deployment comes after thousands of Kenyans thronged to JKIA to receive the body of Raila.
The Kenya Airways (KQ) plane carrying the remains of the former Prime Minister touched down at JKIA at 9:35 AM.
However, Raila’s supporters breached the VIP gates and gained access to the runway moments after the plane landed.
The crowd appeared to have overpowered security personnel stationed at the gates, forcing their way into the highly secured area.
Moments later, several military vehicles were spotted arriving at the airport before the procession to the Lee Funeral Home began.
The former premier passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 80 after suffering a cardiac arrest during a morning walk in India.
He was rushed to a private hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Raila’s body is scheduled to be moved to Parliament Buildings between 12 pm and 5 pm for public viewing.
In the evening, the body will return to Lee Funeral Home for overnight preservation.
On Friday, there will be a national service at Nyayo Stadium, which will bring together dignitaries from across the world to honour the ODM leader.
On Saturday, October 18, Raila's body will leave for Kisumu, where there will be a public viewing at Moi Stadium between 9 am and 3 pm.
He will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, in Bondo, Siaya, in a burial ceremony conducted by the Anglican Church.
