The Kenya Airways flight carrying the body of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga has entered Kenyan airspace, drawing emotional reactions from citizens following the journey online and on television.

Flight KQ203, a Boeing from Mumbai, India, was being tracked by over 20,000 people globally on the live flight monitoring platform Flightradar24 as it crossed into Kenya shortly after 8:30 a.m. The aircraft is expected to touch down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi at 9:30 a.m.

The plane departed from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport at 6:23 am (Kenyan time) carrying Raila’s body, which had been secured by the delegation led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

Mudavadi confirmed the development earlier in the morning, saying all arrangements for the homecoming of Kenya’s long-serving opposition leader had been completed.

The global interest in the flight reflects Raila’s unmatched political legacy and the profound sense of loss felt across Kenya and beyond.

Nation prepares for final farewell

Upon arrival at JKIA, Raila’s body, draped in the national flag, will be received by President Ruto, senior government officials, and family members. It will then be taken to Lee Funeral Home before being moved to Parliament Buildings for public viewing from 12 pm to 5 pm.

Across major towns, large screens have been set up to allow Kenyans to follow the day’s proceedings.

The government has declared Friday, October 17, a public holiday to honour the fallen leader. A State Funeral Service will be held at Nyayo Stadium from 8 a.m., followed by an overnight vigil at Raila’s Karen residence.

On Saturday, the body will be flown to Kisumu and later driven to Bondo, Siaya County, where Raila will be laid to rest on Sunday in line with his wishes and Anglican Church traditions.

Raila Odinga, 80, passed away on Wednesday morning at Devamatha Hospital in Kochi, India, after suffering a cardiac arrest while receiving treatment.