Raila Odinga’s Repatriation Flight Becomes World’s Most Tracked on Flightradar24
The plane carrying a Kenyan delegation to India on Wednesday evening, tasked with facilitating the repatriation of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body, quickly became the most tracked flight in the world on Flightradar24.
Shortly after departing Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi at 6:30 p.m., Kenya Airways Flight KQA202 to Mumbai surged to become the second-most monitored flight globally on the popular live flight-tracking platform. By midnight, it had taken the top spot, with more than 7,000 users following its journey in real time.
The aircraft landed in Mumbai at approximately 1:00 a.m. East Africa Time (EAT) on Thursday, and began its return journey shortly after 3:30 a.m. At 7:00 a.m., Flightradar24 data showed that the return flight, KQA203, was being tracked by over 5,000 people.
In a statement issued at 8:00 a.m., Kenya Airways announced that the flight’s designation would change to RAO001—a tribute to Odinga’s initials—as soon as it entered Kenyan airspace. “KQ203 will change to RAO001 as soon as we reach Kenya Airspace at around 8:50 a.m. to honour and respect our departed leader,” the airline posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The flight was expected to land at JKIA at around 9:30 a.m., where thousands had gathered to receive the former Prime Minister.
Odinga, 80, passed away on Wednesday morning after collapsing in Kochi, India, where he had been undergoing treatment for an undisclosed illness.
In honour of his legacy, President William Ruto declared a seven-day national mourning period, during which the Kenyan flag will be flown at half-mast. The former Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader will receive a full state funeral.
According to a four-day programme released by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, President Ruto and members of Odinga’s family received his body at JKIA on Thursday before it was transported to Lee Funeral Home.
At noon, the body was moved to Parliament Buildings in Nairobi, where it will lie in state for public viewing until 5:00 p.m.
A state funeral service will take place on Friday at Nyayo Stadium, after which the body will be transferred to his Karen residence for an overnight vigil.
On Saturday, the body will be flown to Kisumu for public viewing at Moi Stadium, followed by a road procession to Bondo for another overnight stay.
In accordance with Odinga’s wishes to be buried within 72 hours of his death, the interment will take place on Sunday.
