Operations at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has suspended for two hours following a breach of security during the arrival of the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
In a statement on Thursday, October 16, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) announced that flights and other airport operations had been temporarily halted to allow security teams to regain control of the situation.
“Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) informs the public that operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) have been temporarily suspended due to an ongoing security situation following the arrival of the remains of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya,” the statement read.
KCAA explained that a large crowd of mourners had managed to gain unauthorized access to restricted areas of the airport, forcing authorities to act to ensure safety.
“A large number of mourners gained access to restricted areas, prompting a precautionary closure to allow security teams to restore order and ensure safety,” the statement added.
KCAA appealed to travelers and the general public to remain patient as normal operations are expected to resume once the situation is under control.
“Members of the public and travelers are advised to remain calm and avoid the airport area until further notice. Normal operations will resume once the airport is declared secure in the next two hours. A NOTAM of the same has been issued,” the statement concluded.
The authority expressed regret over the disruption caused by the security incident.
Earlier Thursday, a section of supporters gathered outside JKIA breached the VIP gates and gained access to the runway moments after the plane carrying Raila’s remains landed.
According to videos shared on social media, the situation quickly turned chaotic as the ODM supporters scattered across the airport grounds.
The crowd appeared to have overpower security personnel stationed at the gates, forcing their way into the highly secured area.
The unexpected breach prompted a swift response from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), with Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri seen on site attempting to calm the crowd.
The intrusion occurred just minutes before Raila’s casket was offloaded from the aircraft to the gun carriage.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has deployed 36 ambulances to provide emergency medical coverage during Raila’s reception.
In a statement, the ministry said the ambulances are equipped with basic life support (BLS) and advanced life-saving support (ALS).
The ambulances also have a qualified paramedic, nurse, and driver to ensure effective on-site response when necessary.
Oluga also noted that a Port Health ambulance will remain on standby at JKIA to provide supplementary medical support and coordinate with other responding teams.
Further, the Medical Services PS said mobilization efforts are ongoing to ensure full emergency medical coverage in Kisumu and Siaya Counties as national arrangements continue.
“The Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, has announced the mobilization of thirty-six (36) ambulances to provide emergency medical coverage during the reception of the body of the Late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on October 16, 2025.
“Dr. Oluga noted that each ambulance is fully equipped with Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) facilities and staffed with a paramedic, nurse, and driver, ensuring effective on-site emergency response and safe patient evacuation when necessary,” read the statement in part.
The deployed ambulances include contributions from Kenya Red Cross (20), St. John Ambulance (4), Nairobi Disaster Service (3), Nairobi Emergency Services (8) and Kenyatta National Hospital (1).
Oluga also noted that a Port Health ambulance will remain on standby at JKIA to provide supplementary medical support and coordinate with other responding teams.
He added that mobilization efforts are ongoing to ensure full emergency medical coverage in Kisumu and Siaya Counties as national arrangements continue.
