The body of revered Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga arrived in Nairobi on Thursday from India, where he died of a suspected heart attack.
A large crowd gathered at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to receive the coffin of the veteran politician, whose passing has plunged the nation into mourning.
Odinga, 80, reportedly suffered a heart attack on Wednesday while visiting a health clinic in southern India. His death marks the end of an era for Kenyan politics, as he was a towering figure who ran for president five times and remained a powerful voice in national affairs for decades.
President William Ruto has declared seven days of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast in Odinga’s honor.
Following the airport arrival, the body was scheduled to be taken to Parliament Buildings, where members of the public can pay their respects. Additional public mourning spaces have been set up across Nairobi to accommodate the expected large turnout of mourners.
A state funeral service will be held on Friday in Nairobi. The body will then be transported to western Kenya, Odinga’s birthplace and political stronghold, for a burial ceremony on Sunday.
