Kenya Airways paid a poignant tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Thursday by renaming its flight KQ203 to RAO001 upon entering Kenyan airspace.
The aircraft, carrying Odinga's remains from Kochi, India, touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 9:30 a.m., marking the start of national mourning ceremonies.
The gesture symbolized the deep respect for Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan politics for decades.Odinga, 80, passed away unexpectedly in India on October 14 while receiving medical treatment.
A high-level government delegation, including senior officials, had flown to Mumbai earlier to coordinate the repatriation of his body.
The flight became the most tracked globally on platforms like Flightradar24, with over 6,000 users following its journey in real time.
In a statement, Kenya Airways announced the symbolic change: "KQ203 will change to RAO001 as soon as we reach the Kenya Airspace at around 8:50 a.m. to honor and respect our departed leader. ETA at JKIA is 09:30 a.m."
The airline later commended its crew for their composure during the solemn duty, highlighting the "true spirit of service" embodied by the team led by Captain Saviamaria Ondego.Jubilee Party deputy organizing secretary Pauline Njoroge praised the initiative on X.
"Getting a Kenya Airways aircraft to bring Baba home was such a beautiful and fitting idea. His heart always beat for Kenya. He was without question, one of the greatest patriots our nation has ever known."
Upon landing, the procession faced brief chaos as thousands of mourners stormed JKIA, forcing a temporary closure and dispersal of crowds from Kasarani Stadium.
President William Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, and former President Uhuru Kenyatta led a state reception, viewing Odinga's body at the stadium amid a sea of supporters from diverse backgrounds, including Arsenal and Gor Mahia fans united in grief.
Winnie Odinga, Raila's daughter, moved crowds by handing her father's iconic hat to Mama Ida Odinga during the viewing.
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