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Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has thanked India, Kenya Airways and the Kenya Defence Forces for supporting the journey to bring Raila Odinga’s body home. He recalled the emotional experience in a statement shared on X on October 16, 2026.
Sifuna reflected on the delegation’s journey to Mumbai on October 15 and 16, 2025, following news of Raila’s death. He described the trip as one of the most difficult experiences of his life.
The senator revealed that he had kept his Kenya Airways boarding passes for flights KQ202 and KQ203. The tickets remained personal reminders of the journey that followed the death of the former Prime Minister.
“I couldn’t tell you what the toughest part of the day was, receiving the news in the morning or taking that flight to Mumbai,” Sifuna wrote. His account revisited the grief and difficult circumstances surrounding the delegation’s mission to India.
Sifuna Thanks Indian Government
Sifuna expressed gratitude to the Indian High Commission in Nairobi and the Indian government for facilitating the delegation’s travel. He acknowledged their assistance in helping the Kenyan team undertake the journey under difficult circumstances.
The senator suggested that extraordinary arrangements may have been necessary to make the trip possible. However, he did not identify any specific international travel rules or procedures that officials changed.
“I don’t know how many rules of international travel were bent to make that flight happen. Ahsante sana,” he said. His remarks highlighted the diplomatic cooperation involved in organising urgent travel following the death of a prominent Kenyan leader.
Raila died in India on October 15, 2025, while receiving medical attention. His death prompted widespread mourning in Kenya and arrangements to return his body for a national farewell.
Kenya Airways Crew Earns Sifuna’s Praise
The senator also thanked Kenya Airways management and the crew who operated the flights. He singled out Captain Saviemaria Ondego for her contribution to the journey.
Sifuna recalled an emotional moment during the return flight when the aircraft received the call sign RAO001 after entering Kenyan airspace. The designation referenced Raila’s initials as the delegation brought his body back home.
“Bwana, on the way back, we thought our tears had dried, then she hit us with that call change to RAO001 when we entered our airspace. Wacha tu. God bless,” he wrote.
The call sign became a particularly memorable moment in Sifuna’s account of the flight. It connected the aircraft’s return to the homecoming of a politician whose career shaped Kenya’s multiparty politics and constitutional reform.
Senator Apologises to Passengers
Sifuna also apologised to passengers whose travel plans were affected by the arrangements. He acknowledged that some travellers were removed from flights and that other passengers had their seats changed to accommodate the delegation.
He further recognised the delays, particularly on flight KQ202. According to his account, many passengers only learnt more about the situation after boarding, when the captain made an announcement.
“Apologies for the inconveniences on that day, but you were very gracious. God bless,” he said. His apology acknowledged the disruption experienced by travellers who may not have known why the airline had changed its arrangements.
The senator’s account offered insight into the logistical demands of arranging urgent travel during a national period of mourning. It also recognised the cooperation required from airline staff and passengers.
Sifuna Thanks KDF for Honouring Raila
Sifuna reserved special appreciation for the Kenya Defence Forces for the honours extended to Raila. He said the former Prime Minister’s supporters would remain grateful for the military’s gesture.
“The KDF. Bwana, for the honour extended to Baba, we, his people, will forever be grateful. Salute,” he wrote.
Although Sifuna did not detail the specific military arrangements in his statement, his message recognised the significance of Raila’s final journey home. His tribute also reflected the continuing emotional impact of the former Prime Minister’s death on his supporters.
Through his message, Sifuna thanked the institutions and individuals who helped facilitate the journey from India. He also recalled the grief, sacrifices and unexpected moments that marked the delegation’s return to Kenya.
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