[PHOTOS] Pain, tears at JKIA as Kenyans await Raila's body

Emotional scenes are unfolding as supporters wail, pray and console one another.

by SHARON MWENDE

News16 October 2025 - 08:16

In Summary

Some arrived as early as 7am, determined to pay their respects despite tight security.
Military officers and police were deployed around the airport, and have been manning entry points and controlling movement as the crowd swelled through the morning hours.

Audio By Vocalize

***A man in tears as he mourns former Prime Minister Raila Odinga whose body is set to arrive at JKIA on October 16, 2025/ EZEKIEL AMING'A***

A sombre mood has engulfed the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as hundreds of supporters of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga gathered ahead of his expected arrival.

Many can be seen weeping openly, donning shirts branded with his name and holding out their fists in signs of solidarity.

Some arrived as early as 7 am, determined to pay their respects despite tight security.

Emotional scenes are unfolding as supporters wail, pray and console one another, overcome by the gravity of the moment.

Military officers and police were deployed around the airport, and have been manning entry points and controlling movement as the crowd swelled through the morning hours.

They remain at attention as the crowd swells, managing entry points with solemn precision.

A military band is also present, and will lead the nation in giving Raila the last honours.

As the Kenya Airways plane carrying Raila’s remains lands at JKIA, the weight of history is palpable.

Kenya is not just waiting to receive a body, she is welcoming home a legacy.