Edwin Sifuna reflects on emotional trip to repatriate Raila Odinga from India

Edwin Sifuna reflects on emotional trip to repatriate Raila Odinga from India - Edwin Sifuna was part of the Kenyan delegation that travelled to Mumbai to repatriate Raila Odinga's body. (Photo: Sifuna/courtesy)

The senator expressed gratitude to the Indian High Commission in Nairobi and the Indian government for facilitating the trip, saying extraordinary arrangements were necessary to make the journey possible.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has reflected on the emotional trip to India to repatriate former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body, revealing that he still keeps the Kenya Airways boarding passes he used during the journey in October 2025.

In a statement shared on X on October 16, 2026, marking one year since Raila’s death, Sifuna recalled travelling to Mumbai on October 15, 2025, and returning to Kenya the following day aboard Kenya Airways flights KQ202 and KQ203.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) patriarch died at the age of 80 after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest in Kerala, south-southeast of Mumbai. He was in India for medical treatment and collapsed during a morning walk.

The Kenyan delegation, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi in India to facilitate the repatriation of the body of the late Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga on October 15, 2025, as Winnie Odinga looks on. (Photo: X/Musaia Mudavadi)

His body was subsequently flown to Mumbai Airport aboard an Indian Air Force aircraft, where it was received by a Kenyan delegation that included Sifuna and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, among others.

“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,” Sifuna wrote, reflecting on the difficult circumstances surrounding the mission.

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The senator expressed gratitude to the Indian High Commission in Nairobi and the Indian government for facilitating the trip, saying extraordinary arrangements were necessary to make the journey possible.

“I don’t know how many rules of international travel were bent to make that flight happen. Ahsante sana,” he said.

He also praised Kenya Airways management and the flight crew, led by Captain Saviemaria Ondego, for their professionalism during the two flights.

Screengrab of the breach as soon as the KQ plane ferrying Raila Odinga's body landed at the JKIA.

Sifuna singled out an emotional moment on the return journey when the aircraft entered Kenyan airspace, and the captain announced a change of call sign to RAO001 in honour of Raila.

“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,” he wrote.

The senator also apologised to passengers who experienced delays and seat changes as arrangements were made to accommodate the delegation. He said many only learned what was happening after take-off, when the captain explained the circumstances.

Sifuna further thanked the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) for the honour accorded to Raila, saying his supporters would remain grateful.

“The KDF. Bwana, for the honour extended to Baba, we, his people, will forever be grateful. Salute,” he wrote.