The Kenya Airways (KQ) plane carrying the remains of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga became one of the most tracked planes online on Thursday, October 16.
A spot check by Uzalendo News showed the plane KQ203 was being tracked by over 28,000 people on Flightradar24.
The plane, which is currently in the Kenyan airspace, is expected to land at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 9:30 am.
In a statement on Thursday KQ announced it will change the planes’ code from KQ203 will change to RAO001 in honour of the ODM leader.
“KQ203 will change to RAO001 as soon as we reach the Kenya Airspace at around 8:50 am to honor and respect our departed leader. ETA at JKIA is 09:30 am,” KQ stated.
Upon arrival at JKIA, Raila’s body will be received by President William Ruto and with military officers standing guard.
Security has already been intensified in the airport, and police and military checkpoints have been set up on the roads leading to the airport.
Raila’s body is set to be taken to the Lee Funeral home in Nairobi before being moved to Parliament Buildings between 12 pm and 5 pm for public viewing.
On Friday, 7, a State Funeral in honour of Raila will be held at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi. The service will bring together dignitaries from across the world.
The former Prime Minister will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, in a state funeral at his home in Bondo, Siaya County, next to the graves of his late father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and son, Fidel Odinga.
Raila passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 80 after suffering a cardiac arrest during a morning walk at an Ayurvedic treatment facility in India.
The former Prime Minister was rushed to a private hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
