The body of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) aboard a Kenya Airways flight from Kochi, India, marking a solemn chapter in Kenya’s history.

Draped in the Kenyan flag, the casket was received by President William Ruto and Mama Ida Odinga, in an emotional ceremony that reflected the nation’s deep respect for a man celebrated as the father of devolution and a pillar of Kenya’s democracy.

The late Odinga was accorded full military honours, with a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) gun carriage and ceremonial band leading the official reception. Officers, dressed in formal regalia, stood in formation along the runway, rehearsing slow, mournful tunes as the plane taxied in. Every movement—down to the polishing of the gun carriage tyres—reflected the precision and reverence of the occasion.

Security was tight around the airport, with members of the public restricted from the main terminal to prevent congestion. Nonetheless, hundreds of supporters gathered outside JKIA, many wearing ODM-branded shirts and caps, waving flags, and singing liberation songs in tribute to their fallen leader.

Aboard the Kenya Airways flight was a high-level delegation led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, including Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, and Migori Senator Eddy Oketch. From the Odinga family, EALA MP Winnie Odinga represented the family alongside other close relatives.

The body was later transported to Lee Funeral Home under a heavy security escort, ahead of public viewing at Parliament Buildings beginning Friday morning.

President Ruto has declared that Raila Odinga will be honoured with a state funeral, to be coordinated by a national committee co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga.

In keeping with the late Odinga’s personal wishes, he will be laid to rest within 72 hours of his death. A public funeral service is scheduled for Friday at Nyayo Stadium, followed by burial on Sunday at Kango Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, where he will be interred beside his father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and son Fidel Odinga.

Kenya is observing a seven-day national mourning period, with flags flying at half-mast and Friday declared a public holiday in honour of the man whose legacy shaped the nation’s democratic journey.