Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has recalled the emotional journey to India to bring home the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, thanking those who helped make the mission possible.

In a message shared on X on Friday, 16 October 2026, Sifuna expressed gratitude to the Indian government, Kenya Airways, the flight crew, fellow passengers and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) for their support during the repatriation mission in October 2025.

Raila died in India on 15 October 2025 while receiving medical treatment, prompting an urgent effort to return his body to Kenya for a national farewell.

Sifuna described the journey to Mumbai as one of the most difficult experiences of his life.

"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," he wrote.

The senator revealed that he had kept his boarding passes for Kenya Airways flights KQ202 and KQ203 as a reminder of the experience.

Sifuna Thanks Indian Authorities

Sifuna thanked the Indian High Commission in Nairobi and Indian authorities for helping the Kenyan delegation travel under extraordinary circumstances.

He acknowledged the efforts made to facilitate the journey, although he did not specify which travel procedures had been adjusted.

"I don’t know how many rules of international travel were bent to make that flight happen. Ahsante sana," he wrote.

He also praised Kenya Airways management and the flight crew, singling out Captain Saviemaria Ondego for her role in the mission.

RAO001 Moment Brought Fresh Tears

One of Sifuna's most emotional memories was the moment the returning aircraft entered Kenyan airspace and its call sign changed to RAO001, a tribute to Raila's initials.

He recalled that the gesture brought fresh tears to members of the delegation, even after they thought they had composed themselves.

"Bwana, on the way back, we thought our tears had dried, then she hit us with that call change to RAO001 when we entered our airspace. Wacha tu. God bless," he wrote.

The tribute marked a poignant moment in Raila's final journey home, as the delegation returned with the body of a leader who had played a significant role in Kenya's multiparty democracy and opposition politics.

Sifuna Apologises to Passengers

The senator also apologised to passengers whose travel plans were disrupted by the emergency arrangements.

He acknowledged that some travellers had their seats reassigned or were unable to board, while flight KQ202 experienced delays.

Sifuna said many passengers showed understanding after the captain explained the circumstances of the journey.

"Apologies for the inconveniences on that day, but you were very gracious. God bless," he wrote.

His message recognised the disruption faced by ordinary travellers during the repatriation mission.

KDF Praised for Honouring Raila

Sifuna reserved special appreciation for the Kenya Defence Forces for the honours accorded to Raila during his return to Kenya.

"The KDF. Bwana, for the honour extended to Baba, we, his people, will forever be grateful. Salute," he wrote.

Raila's death prompted widespread mourning across the country, followed by a national farewell that drew leaders and citizens from different parts of Kenya.

A year later, Sifuna's account offers a personal reflection on the people and arrangements behind Raila's final journey home, recalling both the grief of the delegation and the gestures that made the experience memorable.