Water Salute illustrationThe body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday afternoon to a somber military reception.
As part of the national honours, the plane carrying Odinga was accorded a water salute, a rare ceremonial gesture in aviation reserved for moments of great significance.
A water salute involves two fire engines stationed on either side of an aircraft, spraying high arcs of water over the plane as it taxis.
Traditionally, this is performed to mark milestone events such as the retirement of senior pilots, the launch of a new route, the final flight of an aircraft, or the arrival of a distinguished figure.
In Odinga’s case, it symbolises the country’s collective farewell to one of its most influential statesmen.
The salute serves as a powerful visual symbol, highlighting Odinga’s towering place in Kenya’s history. For many Kenyans, the sight of water arching over the aircraft will stand as a lasting image of respect, unity, and remembrance.
A water salute stands out as one of the most unique and symbolic military and aviation traditions, markedly different from the more conventional salutes such as the hand salute, gun salute, or present arms.
While most military salutes are rooted in battlefield discipline, hierarchy, and state protocol, the water salute carries a softer, ceremonial tone that blends aviation and naval culture with symbolism of honor and new beginnings.
In a typical water salute, fire trucks or tugboats position themselves on either side of an aircraft or vessel and spray great arcs of water over it, creating a ceremonial “tunnel.”
Unlike the hand salute, which is an expression of personal respect by an individual soldier, or the gun salute, which emphasises national authority and state power, the water salute is a collective act of tribute.
It is not about rank or command—it is about marking significant milestones.
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), supported by the Kenya Navy and Police Service, took charge of the reception at JKIA, preparing the ceremonial grounds for the tribute
Religious leaders in black robes stood alongside the military, embodying the grief of a nation mourning the veteran opposition leader.
Draped in the Kenyan flag, the casket was received by President William Ruto and Mama Ida Odinga, as the nation welcomed home the remains of the man widely regarded as the father of devolution and a pillar of democratic struggle.
The body was received with military honours before being placed on the gun carriage for transport to Lee Funeral Home under tight security.
A military gun carriage arrived at the airport, accompanied by members of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) military band.
The officers were seen polishing the tyres of the gun carriage to ensure it gleamed as brightly as possible before the arrival.
The military band, fully dressed in ceremonial uniform, stood in formation beside the runway, rehearsing slow, solemn tunes to accompany the official reception.
Their discipline and attention to detail reflected the significance of the occasion as the country awaits the return of one of its most respected statesmen.
Emotions ran high as supporters turned up at JKIA early Thursday morning, donning shirts and hoodies branded with Raila’s name or the ODM logo.
Members of the public were blocked from accessing the main entrance to prevent commotion, while those who had gathered outside the airport were being held at a distance under close watch by security personnel.
Aboard the plane carrying Raila’s body was a high-level delegation led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
They included Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, and Migori Senator Eddy Oketch.
From the Odinga family, EALA MP Winnie Odinga was present, representing the late statesman’s loved ones.
Raila’s body will now be transported to Lee Funeral Home, where it will remain before being moved to Parliament for public viewing.
