KQ pilot Webster Otugha, a passionate evangelist and music enthusiast, serenaded passengers at midnight on a flight from Paris to Nairobi as he joined Kenyans in mourning the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

He honoured Raila by singing one of his favourite Jamaican songs, Kingston Town by UB40.

The Kendu Bay-born pilot, who made headlines in 2021 for his inspiring story of resilience and determination, took time mid-flight to pay tribute to the former Prime Minister on Saturday, October 18, 2025, while en route from Paris, France, to Nairobi.

He thanked passengers for choosing to travel with Kenya Airways on flight KQ 113 from Paris to Nairobi and appreciated their understanding despite the delay in the flight schedule.

He also expressed gratitude to the entire crew for maintaining high standards of service and professionalism despite the sombre mood that had engulfed the country and the region. According to him, the crew, though mourning, had promised to deliver exemplary service with smiles to ensure passengers were well taken care of.

The pilot acknowledged that the country was in mourning following the death of the Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga. He noted that Kenya Airways had ensured the body was repatriated in time and announced that additional flights from Nairobi to Kisumu had been scheduled over the weekend to enable mourners to attend the funeral.

Amid grief, Captain Otugha lightened the mood with a touch of humour, saying that anyone wishing for faster clearance at passport control might consider singing Raila’s favourite song, as it could win them special favour, though he admitted that might only work for those confident enough to sing beyond the shower.

“Someone was just whispering to me that if, in case, someone would like to pass through the passport control in an expedited manner, since when they hear you sing it, they may expedite you through their passport control faster than anyone else,” Atugha said.

He then said he would give it a try himself, performing the Jamaican farewell song made popular by Harry Belafonte and later beautifully rendered by Don Williams as his heartfelt tribute to the late former Prime Minister.

KQ’s honouring Raila

The Kenya Airways (KQ) fraternity has gone out of its way to mourn with Kenyans following the passing of the former Prime Minister, Raila Amolo Odinga.

They played a key role in repatriating Raila Odinga’s body from India to Kenya. The plane that carried Kenyan dignitaries for the repatriation mission was, upon entering Kenyan airspace, renamed from KQ203 to RAO001 in honour of the former Prime Minister.

In a rare and symbolic gesture, Kenya Airways also accorded Raila Odinga a water cannon salute, a tradition usually reserved for aviation officials upon retirement or during the launch of new aircraft. This was done as a mark of respect and national honour.

Additionally, KQ provided timely updates during the repatriation flight, even sharing the flight tracker to allow Kenyans to follow the plane’s progress in real time as it journeyed from India back to Kenya.