Plane Carrying Raila Odinga’s Body Becomes World’s Most Tracked Flight

The Kenya Airways flight transporting the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga from India to Nairobi drew global attention after becoming the most tracked plane in the world on Flightradar24.

The KQ202 passenger jet, which departed Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday for Mumbai, was initially the second-most tracked aircraft on the live flight monitoring platform. By midnight, it had risen to the top of the global tracking list, with over 7,000 people following its journey in real-time.

How Did Raila Odinga’s Repatriation Flight Draw Global Attention?

The flight touched down in Mumbai around 1 a.m. Thursday, East Africa Time (EAT), before taking off again at approximately 3:30 a.m. for its return trip to Nairobi. By 7 a.m., over 5,000 people were tracking the Kenya Airways return flight, KQ203, as it made its way back home. It was expected to land at JKIA around 9:30 a.m., carrying the body of one of Kenya’s most iconic political figures.

Odinga, 80, died in Kochi, India, where he had been undergoing treatment for an undisclosed illness. His death has sent waves of grief across Kenya and beyond, with millions mourning the loss of a man whose political career spanned decades and defined generations.

What Are the Plans for Raila Odinga’s State Funeral?

President William Ruto announced seven days of national mourning, during which flags will fly at half-mast in honour of the former Prime Minister. Odinga will be accorded a full state funeral, according to a four-day programme unveiled by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.

Upon arrival at JKIA, President Ruto and members of the Odinga family will receive the body before it is moved to the Lee Funeral Home. From noon, the body will lie in state at Parliament Buildings for public viewing until 5 p.m.

A national funeral service will take place on Friday at Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium, followed by an overnight stay at Odinga’s Karen residence. On Saturday, the body will be flown to Kisumu for public viewing at Moi Stadium, then transported by road to Bondo for another overnight vigil.

Honouring his personal wishes, Raila Odinga will be laid to rest on Sunday, within 72 hours of his death, closing a monumental chapter in Kenya’s political history.

By Yockshard Enyendi