Operations Suspended at JKIA as Raila Odinga’s Body Arrives from India amid Chaos

Operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) came to a standstill on Thursday morning after the arrival of the plane carrying the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The Kenya Airways flight touched down at around 9:30 a.m., met by massive crowds of supporters who flooded the airport grounds, including the restricted airside area reserved for aircraft operations.

Mourners waving twigs and chanting in honour of Odinga overpowered security officers and gained access to the runway. Some rode motorbikes across the taxiways, creating a chaotic yet emotional scene as they sought to catch a glimpse of the late ODM leader’s casket.

Citizen Digital reporters witnessed the tense moment when the Chief of Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, pleaded with the crowd to remain calm as Odinga’s body was offloaded from the plane. Others were seen standing atop an aerobridge moments after passengers had disembarked.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed that airport operations had been suspended due to the “security situation.” In a statement released at 11 a.m., the authority said, “Operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) have been temporarily suspended due to an ongoing security situation following the arrival of the remains of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga.” KCAA added that services would resume “once the airport is declared secure in the next two hours.”

With the overwhelming turnout of mourners, plans for a public viewing at Parliament Buildings were altered. Odinga’s body was instead moved to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, where thousands continued to gather to pay their final respects to one of Kenya’s most influential political figures.

By Lucky Anyanje