Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has recounted the emotional journey that brought the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga home from India, revealing how a change in the aircraft’s call sign to RAO001 left passengers in tears as they entered Kenyan airspace.
In a moving tribute reflecting on the events of October 15 and 16, 2025, Sifuna thanked the Indian government, Kenya Airways, the flight crew and ordinary passengers who endured disruptions during the repatriation mission.
The senator revealed that he had preserved his boarding passes for Kenya Airways flights KQ202 and KQ203, which he took between Nairobi and Mumbai during the operation.
Sifuna said he remained uncertain whether the most difficult moment had been receiving news of Raila’s death or boarding the flight to India to bring him home.
“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,” he said.
‘Wacha Tu’: The Moment That Moved Sifuna
Sifuna singled out the moment the flight crew changed the aircraft’s call sign to RAO001 as the plane entered Kenyan airspace, describing it as a particularly emotional experience.
The gesture honoured Raila, whose body was being returned to Kenya aboard the specially designated Kenya Airways flight.
“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,” Sifuna said.
The change in call sign became one of the defining moments of the repatriation journey, reflecting the national significance of Raila’s return after his death in India.
Sifuna Thanks Kenya Airways and India
The Nairobi senator expressed gratitude to the Indian High Commission in Nairobi and the Indian government for facilitating the journey under difficult circumstances.
He said he could not tell how many international travel rules had been adjusted to make the operation possible.
Sifuna also praised Kenya Airways management and the flight crew led by Captain Saviemaria Ondego for their handling of the mission.
He acknowledged that the arrangements inconvenienced some ordinary passengers, with some reportedly removed from flights, seats rearranged and departures delayed, particularly during the outbound journey to Mumbai.
According to Sifuna, many passengers only learnt the reason for the unusual arrangements after boarding, when the captain made an announcement.
He apologised to those affected and thanked them for their patience and understanding.
Kenya Defence Forces Honoured Raila
Sifuna also recognised the Kenya Defence Forces for the honour accorded to the late former Prime Minister during the repatriation process.
A high-level Kenyan delegation comprising more than 30 leaders, government officials and family members travelled to India to coordinate the return of Raila’s remains.
The Indian government provided military transportation to move the body from Kerala to Mumbai before the delegation boarded the designated Kenya Airways flight to Nairobi.
Raila’s body was returned to Kenya draped in the national flag, with the RAO001 call sign used as the aircraft entered Kenyan airspace.
Raila’s Death Triggered National Mourning
Raila died in India on the morning of October 15, 2025. He was taken to Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam, where he was pronounced dead from cardiac arrest.
His death triggered widespread mourning across Kenya’s political divide, with President William Ruto among the leaders who paid tribute to the veteran politician, recognising his role in the country’s democratic struggle.
Sifuna’s recollection comes a day after Kenyans marked the first anniversary of Raila’s death at Migwena Cultural and Sports Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County.
His account offers a personal glimpse into the emotional and logistical challenges surrounding the return of one of Kenya’s most influential political figures.
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