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The directive is part of the government’s coordinated national mourning efforts honoring Raila’s legacy and contribution to Kenya’s democracy.
The Kenya Airports Authority personnel made repeated appeals for calm, but their efforts were drowned by the cries of mourners desperate to catch a glimpse of the casket. Tension heightened when the coffin, draped in the Kenyan flag, was brought out of the plane, prompting louder wails across the tarmac.
The ceremonial gun carriage, freshly polished and gleaming, awaited to bear the casket draped in the national flag. Security personnel maintained tight control around the airport, with members of the public kept at a distance to prevent commotion as emotions ran high among supporters gathered outside.
Armed police and military officers have cordoned off all access routes to the facility, with checkpoints mounted along Valley Road and Argwings Kodhek Road. Only selected family members, authorised government officials, and accredited personnel are being allowed entry.
Ruto, who arrived shortly after 9:08 am, is leading the country’s leadership in welcoming the remains of the opposition leader who passed away on Wednesday morning while undergoing treatment in India. His Deputy, Kithure Kindiki, was among the first senior government officials to reach the airport to oversee the final arrangements for the solemn reception.
Oluga said each ambulance has been fitted with both Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) equipment, enabling paramedics and medical teams to respond to any medical emergency.
Dr. Oginga, the elder brother of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, assumes leadership at a crucial time as ODM begins a transition process following Raila’s death on Wednesday, October 16, 2025.
The aircraft, KQA203, left Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 6:30 p.m., carrying a delegation sent to oversee the repatriation process. Within hours of take-off, it had drawn intense global interest, initially ranking second among the world’s most tracked flights before taking the top spot by midnight.
In a special gazette notice issued by the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, the declaration was made under Section 3 of the Public Holidays Act, giving Kenyans across the country an opportunity to reflect on Odinga’s life and legacy.
A condolence book will also be open at the State Department of Foreign Affairs in Nairobi for envoys and international representatives to sign.
Following arrangements at Lee Funeral Home, Raila’s remains will be transported to Parliament to lie in state, giving Kenyans an opportunity to pay their respects.
Raila’s body is expected to arrive in Kenya on Thursday, October 16, at around 9 am, after which it will be taken to the Lee Funeral Home.
Earlier on Wednesday, President Ruto announced a seven-day national mourning period, directing that the national flag be flown at half-mast across Kenya and at all Kenyan missions abroad until the interment of Odinga.
Raila Odinga suffered cardiac failure around 8 am during his morning walk at the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic eye hospital-cum-research centre in Koothattukulam, where he had been receiving treatment for the past five days. He was officially pronounced dead at 9:52 a.m.
The sitting was called in line with Standing Order 33 (1) following a request from the Senate Majority Leader and with the support of the requisite number of senators.
Speaking on Wednesday at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), where party leaders were preparing to travel to India for the repatriation of Odinga’s body, Sifuna said the sheer number of visitors to the Odinga home has left the family struggling to cope.
Save the Children said the move marks an important step toward greater accountability and the establishment of stronger legal and policy frameworks that safeguard the rights of all Somalis, especially children.
FKF said the suspension follows the government’s directive and is meant to pay respect to the late Odinga, who was remembered as a great leader and a passionate supporter of Kenyan football.
AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed profound sorrow over Raila’s passing, hailing him as one of Africa’s most distinguished and transformative leaders.
Speaker Moses Wetang’ula announced that Thursday’s special sitting would begin at 10 am and continue late into the night, allowing every MP the opportunity to pay tribute to the man affectionately known as Baba.
The State Department for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development that all government activities linked to the Nyota project would resume after the national mourning period.
The move forms part of the government’s official mourning arrangements for the late former Prime Minister, who died in India on October 15, 2025.
News of his death first broke on social media and was later confirmed by former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, who had been overseeing his treatment at a rehabilitation centre in Mombasa.
Sifuna hailed Odinga as a towering figure in Kenya’s democratic journey, noting that for more than three decades, he nurtured political leadership and inspired the growth of democratic ideals across the country.
Ruto said Kenya, Africa, and the world had lost a patriot of uncommon courage, a unifier, and a servant of the people who gave his all for the promise of a better Kenya.
The Government of India will assist in returning Raila’s remains, with a delegation led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi leaving immediately to organize the repatriation.
From early morning, supporters, neighbors, and political figures streamed into the compound, with some sitting quietly in grief while others moved about, holding leafy branches and chanting Luo songs to honor the man they affectionately called Baba.
Raila's death marks the end of a momentous and often turbulent chapter in Kenya’s political history.
The country faces a moment of mourning as leaders and citizens come to terms with the passing of one of Kenya’s most influential political figure