The body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga arrived in Kisumu on Saturday, October 18, 2025, transported aboard a military helicopter in his last journey to Bondo.
The aircraft carrying the fallen leader was accorded a ceremonial water salute upon landing at Kisumu International Airport, mirroring the tribute that had been given to the plane that brought his remains from India to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Thursday.
The water salute, a traditional aviation tribute reserved for dignitaries and special occasions, saw fire trucks spraying arcs of water over the military chopper as it touched down on the tarmac.
Several ODM leaders and most of the funeral organizing committee were also present, having landed from other flights and others from the same military chopper.
The body departed from Nairobi early Saturday morning, following the conclusion of the State Funeral service held at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday.
After the funeral, the body had been taken to the family’s Karen home for an overnight stay, as outlined in the official programme announced by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
The military helicopter provided a dignified and efficient means of transporting the former Prime Minister’s remains to his home region. It avoided the lengthy road journey and allowed for a timely arrival ahead of the public viewing scheduled at the Mamboleo stadium.
The body arrived at Mamboleo Stadium at 9:00 am, as scheduled in the public funeral program.
Thousands of residents from Kisumu and surrounding counties received the former prime minister with cheers, wailing, and dances as is the mourning tradition in the region.
After the public viewing concludes, the body will travel by road from Kisumu City to Bondo, Siaya County, for an overnight stay at the family’s ancestral home before Sunday’s burial.
