Kisumu, Kenya —
The body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was airlifted from Kisumu to his rural home in Bondo on Saturday evening, marking the final leg of a deeply emotional farewell that has drawn thousands from across the country.

At Mamboleo Stadium, where the body lay in state for public viewing, mourners waved flags and sang hymns as the casket—draped in the Kenyan flag—was gently closed and prepared for its journey. Security officers and military pallbearers handled the transfer with solemn precision.

“The body of the former Prime Minister will be flown directly to Bondo. We want to make sure the transition from Kisumu to his home is done smoothly and respectfully,” said Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, who oversaw the arrangements.

The decision to airlift the remains was a late change. Earlier plans to transport the body by road were abandoned due to logistical and security concerns. According to Omollo, consultations with the National Funeral Steering Committee and the Odinga family informed the final choice.

A nation’s farewell
Public viewing at Mamboleo was originally set to end at 3 p.m., but authorities hinted at an extension to allow as many mourners as possible to pay their last respects. By early afternoon, crowds had filled the stands and surrounding streets, many holding portraits of the late opposition leader.

Omollo praised Kisumu residents for their calm and decorum during what has been one of the most solemn public gatherings in the city’s history.

“I want to take this opportunity to congratulate and appreciate the people of Kisumu. We asked them to accord the Right Honourable Raila a decent send-off, and they have lived up to that,” he said.

The Principal Secretary also urged mourners to uphold peace as the nation prepares for Sunday’s burial at Odinga’s Opoda Farm in Bondo, Siaya County.

“Raila cherished peace and unity. As Kenyans, it is our duty to honour his legacy by ensuring peace throughout the mourning period,” Omollo reminded the crowd.

Final journey home
The airlift to Bondo was conducted before nightfall, in line with the funeral committee’s schedule. By evening, security was tight around Opoda Farm, where family members and local leaders had gathered for a private night vigil.

Officials said preparations for Sunday’s interment were in their final stages, following the late leader’s wish to be buried within 72 hours.

For many in Kisumu, the sight of the flag-draped casket ascending into the sunset skies marked the end of an era — and the beginning of Raila Odinga’s final homecoming.