As dawn broke on Thursday, October 16, 2025, the world’s attention turned to the skies. A Kenya Airways Boeing 737-800 — flight KQ203 — became the most tracked plane on earth. It wasn’t a flight of curiosity or crisis, but of grief and respect. On board was the body of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, returning home from India for the last time.
According to global flight tracking service Flightradar24, more than 10,800 people followed the flight in real time. From Kenyans in the diaspora to aviation enthusiasts around the world, millions watched as the plane traced its path from Mumbai to Nairobi — a journey that symbolized the love and admiration Raila commanded across borders.
The flight left Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport at 6:23 a.m. (Kenyan time) and was expected to land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 9:30 a.m.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who led the government delegation to India, confirmed that the team had completed all repatriation arrangements and was bringing home “the body of a great son of Kenya.”
“We have secured his body and preparations are complete for his return home,” Mudavadi said on X. “The aircraft carrying the body of this great son of Kenya will land at JKIA at 9:30 a.m., where he will be received by President William Ruto and the nation he so dearly loved.”
A Journey Tat Moved the World
Raila’s final flight was more than a return home; it was a global moment of reflection. From Africa to Asia, messages of sorrow and remembrance poured in. Many described the tracking of his flight as a modern-day vigil — a digital gathering of people united by admiration for his lifelong struggle for democracy and justice.
Rala, 80, died on Wednesday morning at Devamatha Hospital in Kochi, India, after suffering a cardiac arrest. He had travelled there for specialized medical treatment but passed away shortly after admission.
Kenya Declares Day of Honour
The government has declared Friday, October 17, a national holiday in honour of the late statesman. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen made the announcement through a Gazette Notice, saying the day would give the country time to reflect and pay tribute to his legacy.
“Friday, the 17th October 2025, shall be a public holiday in honour of the departed former Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga,” the notice read in part.
Upon arrival at JKIA, President William Ruto, members of the Odinga family, and senior government officials will receive the body. It will then be taken to Lee Funeral Home before being moved to Parliament Buildings for public viewing.
Kenyans will be allowed to pay their last respects between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. Large screens will be set up in major towns to allow people to follow the proceedings live.
A Farewell to a National Icon
A State Funeral Service will be held on Friday, October 17, at Nyayo Stadium starting at 8 a.m., followed by an overnight vigil at Raila’s Karen residence. On Saturday, the body will be flown to Kisumu, where it will lie in state at Moi Stadium before being taken to Bondo for burial on Sunday.
President Ruto earlier declared a seven-day national mourning period and ordered flags to fly at half-mast across the country.
As the world watched flight KQ203 make its way across the Arabian Sea, it carried not just the body of a man — but the story of a patriot who shaped Kenya’s democratic journey. Raila Odinga’s final journey home was a moment of unity, reflection, and love from a world that recognized his unwavering spirit and lifelong service to his country.
