Edwin Sifuna Reveals He Kept KQ Boarding Passes from the Mumbai Flight That Brought Raila Home

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has revealed that he kept his boarding passes from the Kenya Airways flights that carried the body of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga home from Mumbai one year ago.

In a reflective statement marking the first anniversary of Odinga’s passing, Sifuna disclosed that he retained the passes from flights KQ 202 and KQ 203, dated 15 and 16 October 2025, the two legs of the journey that took a Kenyan delegation to India and returned with the body of the former Prime Minister.

“I couldn’t tell you what the toughest part of the day was receiving the news in the morning or taking that flight to Mumbai,” Sifuna said. 

The Nairobi Senator went on to thank those who made the emotionally charged mission possible under extraordinary circumstances, beginning with the Indian High Commission in Nairobi and the Indian Government. “I don’t know how many rules of international travel were bent to make that flight happen. Ahsante sana,” he said.

Sifuna singled out Kenya Airways management and the flight crew led by Captain Saviemaria Ondego, describing their conduct as “absolute class.” He recalled the moment the flight entered Kenyan airspace on its return and the call sign was changed from KQ 203 to RAO 001 a tribute to the fallen leader’s initials. “Bwana, on the way back we thought our tears had dried, then she hit us with that call change to RAO 001 when we entered our airspace. Wacha tu. God bless.”

The special call sign RAO 001 was confirmed by Kenya Airways as the flight crossed into Kenyan skies, a gesture that drew global attention. More than 50,000 users tracked the flight live on Flightradar24 as it made its final approach to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Sifuna also extended apologies and thanks to the regular passengers aboard both flights, many of whom were bumped off or subjected to significant seat changes to accommodate the delegation. Flight 202 experienced long delays, and many passengers only learned what was happening once the aircraft was airborne and the captain made an announcement. “Apologies for the inconveniences on that day, but you were very gracious. God bless,” Sifuna said.

He concluded by acknowledging the Kenya Defence Forces for the honours extended to the late Odinga. “Bwana, for the honour extended to Baba, we his people will forever be grateful. Salute.”