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Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo announced that the late leader’s body will be airlifted instead of transported by road, a change made to ensure a smooth, secure, and well-coordinated transfer from Kisumu to Bondo.
Orengo said he never imagined a time would come when the country would bid farewell to a man who dedicated his life to justice, freedom, and the fight for democracy.
The journey was carried out by a Kenya Air Force Leonardo C-27J Spartan with the call sign ENIGMA01 — a fitting reference to the man often described as Kenya’s “political enigma.”
Military helicopters had hovered over the venue earlier in the morning as part of an elaborate security drill ahead of the airlift and ceremony. Despite heavy rainfall overnight, hundreds gathered at Kisumu International Airport as early as 5 a.m., braving the cold to witness the arrival. Along the main roads to the stadium, residents lined the streets, cheering and waving as the convoy made its way through the city
Multiple security checkpoints have been mounted at every entry and exit, where attendees are being frisked, and vehicles inspected before gaining access. Those without accreditation are being turned away from restricted zones, especially near the main dais where the casket will be placed for public homage.
The aircraft, coded ENIGMA01, touched down at 7:20 am amid heightened security and solemn silence from thousands of mourners who had gathered to witness the historic moment.
Kenya Defence Forces officers and clergy accompanied the brief but solemn transfer as part of the state honours accorded to the late opposition leader. The aircraft took off from Nairobi at 6 a.m., headed to Kisumu, where thousands were waiting to receive him.
Obama, whose paternal roots trace back to Kenya’s Luo community, the same ethnic group as Raila, highlighted that the late leader’s influence extended beyond national borders.
The organisation added that an additional 40 patients had been treated through ambulance services on Thursday.
Senator Oburu urged mourners and security officers to ensure order and allow people to grieve peacefully.
The Senator confirmed that Raila will be laid to rest at the family plot in Nyamira Kango, alongside both his mother and father, contrary to reports suggesting he would be buried only next to his mother.
Kindiki advised members of the public attending the Kisumu event to be seated by 7 am. He added that public viewing at Mamboleo will continue for most of the day “until we are satisfied everyone has had a chance.” Later, the body will be taken to Bondo for an overnight stay ahead of Sunday’s burial. The final day’s programme will be released on Saturday evening through a media notice.