RAO001 Touches Down: A Nation Welcomes Raila Odinga Home One Last Time
Raila Amolo Odinga 7 January 1945 – 15 October 2025) was a Kenyan politician who served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013.[1] He was the Member of Parliament (MP) for Langata Constituency from 1992 to 2013.[2][3] He was the leader of Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition Party.
Odinga ran for President of Kenya five times, with none of his attempts being successful. Each time, Odinga alleged electoral fraud.[4]
In 1997, he finished third as the candidate of the National Development Party (NDP). In 2007, he ran again for the presidency under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and lost to Mwai Kibaki. In 2013, 2017, and 2022, Odinga was the runner-up as a candidate for the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD), National Super Alliance (NASA) and Azimio la Umoja respectively.[5][6] After his loss, he filed for petition against President-elect William Ruto at the Supreme Court of Kenya. The court decided against him, and Odinga pledged to respect its ruling.[7]
In February 2024, he announced his candidacy for the African Union Commission Chairperson, but was defeated by Mahamoud Ali Youssouf in the February 2025 ballot.
he body of the late Raila Odinga was received at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday morning, marking the beginning of national mourning for one of Kenya’s most iconic political figures. The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) led the ceremonial escort, joined by thousands of Kenyans who lined the route in tribute. President William Ruto, First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto, and senior government officials were present at the airport to witness the arrival. The casket, draped in the national flag, was transferred to a military gun carriage and escorted to Lee Funeral Home under tight security. While the reception was dignified, sources close to the planning committee indicated logistical and political challenges in coordinating a full State welcome. ODM leaders had earlier called for a grand reception befitting Raila’s stature, sparking debate over protocol and timing. Despite these tensions, the public response was overwhelming. Crowds waved flags, sang liberation songs, and held up portraits of Raila Odinga as the convoy made its way through Nairobi.
Raila Odinga’s arrival marks the beginning irways of a series of national events and memorials that will see Kenyans from all walks of life pay their final respects. From Nairobi to Kisumu, and finally to his ancestral home in Bondo, the journey of RAO001 will be remembered as the last chapter in the story of one of Kenya’s most influential statesmen.
For many Kenyans, this moment represents not just the passing of a leader, but the closing of an era — one defined by courage, conviction, and an unwavering fight for democracy.