Raila Odinga’s body cleared by Indian authorities for return to Kenya
By Mabonga Makhanu, October 15, 2025The body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has been cleared by Indian authorities to be repatriated to Kenya following his demise in Kerala.
It is now a beehive of activity in Kerala, where Raila Odinga breathed his last on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
The Indian High Commissioner himself has come out to oversee the release of the body from Kerala to Mumbai, where the Kenyan delegation will receive it and transport it back to Kenya.
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The body has already been placed in a brown coffin, ready to be transported back to the country. Indian authorities have also paid their respects to the former prime minister by laying wreaths on the coffin.
The body is expected to arrive in Kenya on Thursday morning, October 16, 2025.
The president had earlier stated that the Indian authorities had expressed their commitment to help ensure the body is repatriated to Kenya within the shortest time possible.
“At the same time, the Government of India, at the request of the Government of Kenya, has offered to facilitate the repatriation of the remains of the former Prime Minister,” he said.
A flight carrying a Kenyan delegation led by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi has already been dispatched to India to oversee the return of the body to Kenya.
Reparation delegation
Other top government officials on board to India include Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo, and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, among others.
“A delegation comprising government officials and family members led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi is leaving immediately for India to facilitate proper organisation in the repatriation of the remains of our brother Raila Odinga,” President Ruto stated.
The delegation has already boarded a flight and is set to land in India to receive the body.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier assured Kenya that the body would be cleared within the shortest time possible for it to land in Kenya.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend and former Prime Minister of Kenya, Mr Raila Odinga. He was a towering statesman and a cherished friend of India. I had the privilege of knowing him closely since my days as Chief Minister of Gujarat, and our association continued over the years. He had a special affection for India, our culture, values and ancient wisdom. This was reflected in his efforts to strengthen India-Kenya ties.” Modi stated.