Raila Odinga, the former Prime Minister, is finally home to stay. His body was flown back to Kisumu International Airport this morning at dawn on a military aircraft as thousands of individuals brushed off the early morning chill to witness the somber moment.
At 7:20am, the plane given the code name ENIGMA01 was received under heavy military escort and greeted with a symbolic water cannon salute, a privilege reserved for national heroes.
The coffin of Raila, draped in the Kenyan flag, was accorded deep respect by military pallbearers before being unloaded into an escort helicopter, which is reported to be owned by the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
The helicopter would fly him over the city he loved and which loved him in return to Mamboleo Showgrounds, where yet another thousands were eagerly waiting.
Kisumu Wakes Early for Raila
Well before dawn broke, Kisumu was awake and moving.
Crowds of citizens had gathered across the city during the night, camping at Kondele and other tactical intersections, expecting to join what they thought was a road march. When it became clear the body was to be flown in direct to Mamboleo, most of them set off on foot for the showgrounds to be part of history.
By dawn, the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium, part of the Mamboleo complex, was filled to its capacity of 25,000.
The stadium throbbed with energy not of jubilation, but of remembrance. Hymns were sung, people danced among tears, and the ear-shattering vuvuzela, the whistle, and the shouting of “Baba!” echoed through the stadium.
Supporters wore Raila-branded T-shirts, lesos, and scarves, waving placards and posters carrying his name and image. It was almost a people’s goodbye and not a funeral — noisy, vibrant, defiant, and proud.
There was tight security around the venue, with Kenya Defence Forces, police, and National Youth Service personnel openly stationed. Access was well managed, with vehicles parked in assigned areas outside the grounds.
Inside the stadium, representatives of the Odinga family occupied seats in solidarity, sitting among fellow close friends and top government officials.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi was one of the dignitaries attending, as were the leading officials of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, which had been led by Raila with such unparalleled fervor.
As the sun goes down, Kisumu and the nation says goodbye to a man who spent his life fighting for democracy, justice, and the ordinary Kenyan.
And although his body lies motionless, the spirit of Raila Amolo Odinga continues on the streets, in the music, and in the hearts of a people who never lost hope in him.
