The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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The remains of Kenya’s founding father of devolution, Raila Amollo Odinga, are aboard a Kenya Airways (KQ) flight expected to touch down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 9:30 a.m.
Before departure from India, the casket—draped in the Kenyan flag—was blessed in a brief ceremony led by Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, who also offered prayers for the late statesman and the accompanying delegation.
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The high-powered team that travelled to India was led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and included Senator Oketch, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah. Raila’s youngest daughter, EALA MP Winnie Odinga, represented the family.
President William Ruto is set to receive the body at JKIA, where a military guard of honour will be mounted.
Odinga, who passed away in Kerala, India, after suffering a cardiac arrest while undergoing Ayurvedic treatment, will be accorded a state funeral with full honours, as announced by President Ruto.
A national funeral committee—co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga—has already begun meetings to coordinate the burial arrangements.
According to a detailed programme seen by The Lower Eastern Times, four subcommittees will handle planning: at his Karen residence, Opoda home, Kisumu City, and in Nairobi.
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Once in Kenya, Raila’s body will be taken to Lee Funeral Home before being moved to Parliament Buildings for public viewing.
In line with his will, Raila requested to be laid to rest within 72 hours, with the countdown beginning Thursday. A public memorial service will be held at Nyayo Stadium on Friday before the body is flown to Siaya later that evening for Sunday’s burial.
The final rites will take place at the family’s Kango Ka Jaramogi home in Nyamira, Bondo, where he will be buried beside his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and his son, Fidel Odinga.
Following President Ruto’s proclamation, Kenya has entered a seven-day mourning period. National flags will fly at half-mast, and Friday has been declared a public holiday in honour of the late opposition leader.
