Kenya Airways to honour Raila with special flight code RAO001 in final tribute
Upon arrival in Mumbai, the flight code changed to KQ203, which Kenya Airways confirmed would shift again to RAO001 once the aircraft enters Kenyan skies as a symbolic gesture of national respect for the late leader.
Kenya Airways has announced that the flight transporting the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga from India will be renamed from KQ203 to RAO001 once it enters Kenyan airspace at around 8:50 am.
The airline said the change is meant “to honour and respect our departed leader,” adding that the expected time of arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is 9:30 am.
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The flight carrying Raila’s remains left Mumbai early Thursday morning after completing the repatriation process. The plane, which had initially departed Nairobi as KQ202 on Wednesday evening with a delegation sent to facilitate the return arrangements, has drawn significant public attention both locally and internationally.
According to Flightradar’s live updates, the aircraft became the most monitored flight in the world, with thousands following its progress in real time. At about 7 am East Africa Time, more than 5,000 users were tracking the flight. The plane landed in Mumbai at approximately 1 am before beginning its return journey to Nairobi at around 3:30 am.
Upon arrival in Mumbai, the flight code changed to KQ203, which Kenya Airways confirmed would shift again to RAO001 once the aircraft enters Kenyan skies as a symbolic gesture of national respect for the late leader.
Raila, aged 80, died in Kochi, India, where he had been receiving medical care for an undisclosed condition. He reportedly collapsed during a morning routine and was pronounced dead shortly after being rushed to the hospital.
His passing has triggered an outpouring of grief across Kenya and beyond, with citizens, political leaders, and the international community sending messages of condolence.
President William Ruto declared seven days of national mourning, directing that the Kenyan flag be flown at half-mast in all public institutions and embassies worldwide to honour the country’s long-serving opposition leader.
The government has further confirmed that Raila Odinga will be accorded a state funeral and laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, in line with his wish to be buried within 72 hours of his death.
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