KQ flight carrying Raila Odinga's body touches down at JKIA
A water salute (also known as a water cannon salute) is a ceremonial gesture typically performed to honour or celebrate an important event, milestone, or individual, most commonly in aviation and maritime contexts. It is a symbolic act of respect and celebration that has become a longstanding tradition in both industries.
The body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga arrived in Nairobi on Thursday morning aboard a flight that touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 9:38 am, received with a dignified water cannon salute.
The rare airport ceremony, performed by fire trucks that released high arcs of water over the aircraft, is a mark of honour reserved for distinguished individuals or occasions of national importance.
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President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, DP Kithure Kindiki, and senior military officials were present at the airport to lead the solemn reception. Ruto arrived shortly after 9:08 am, while Deputy President Kithure Kindiki was among the first government officials to arrive and supervise the final preparations.
The casket, wrapped in the Kenyan flag, was later placed on a military open Land Rover for the slow drive to Lee Funeral Home under heavy escort. Soldiers and police officers lined the route, with roadblocks mounted and vehicles restricted as the convoy made its way through Nairobi.
At Lee Funeral Home, security remained tight, with armed Kenya Defence Forces and police officers stationed around the facility and barriers set up along Valley Road and Argwings Kodhek Road.
Only authorised family members, government representatives, and accredited officials were allowed access.
Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui and Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Wanjau arrived earlier in the morning to oversee the final preparations before the arrival of the body.
“The final touches are underway. Once the body arrives, it will be prepared before being transported to Parliament to lie in state,” Kinyanjui told reporters outside the funeral home.
Kinyanjui remembered Raila as a fearless leader who never hesitated to speak his mind. “Baba had nothing to fear. He could stand firm on whatever he believed. He would call out anyone, whether it was the Executive, Parliament, or even county assemblies,” he said.
After the body is prepared, it will be escorted by KDF officers to Parliament Buildings for public viewing. Authorities have urged members of the public to go directly to Parliament as no viewing will be allowed at the funeral home.
The body will later return to Lee Funeral Home for an overnight stay before being moved to Nyayo Stadium on Friday morning for a national funeral service starting at 7 am.
Meanwhile, within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has been appointed Acting Party Leader following a meeting chaired by Deputy Party Leaders Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir and Simba Arati in Nairobi.
Raila Odinga, who died on Wednesday while receiving treatment in India, will be laid to rest on Sunday at his home in Bondo, Siaya County, with full military honours.
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