President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta have arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) ahead of the arrival of the body of the late Raila Odinga.
The Head of State is set to lead the nation’s top leadership in receiving the remains of the former Prime Minister who passed away on Wednesday morning while undergoing treatment in India.
Ruto arrived at the airport shortly after 9:08 am, moments after his deputy Kithure Kindiki, who was among the first senior government officials to make their way to the airport to oversee final arrangements.
The national carrier, Kenya Airways flight KQ203, will change its call sign to RAO001 as it enters Kenyan airspace in honor of the late leader.
The aircraft is expected to touch down at around 9:30 am, marking a solemn moment for the nation as the body of Raila returns home.
Top government officials, senior politicians, family members, and dignitaries from across the political divide have also gathered at JKIA to receive the body.
National Assembly minority leader Junet Mohamed, Governors Gladys (Homa Bay) among several others have also arrived.
Flags at the airport and across the country continue to fly at half-mast in observance of the official mourning period declared by the president.
Security has been heightened at the airport, with thousands of Kenyans expected to line the streets as the motorcade carrying Raila’s body makes its way to the Lee Funeral Home.
