Kenya Airways' all-star crew, led by the remarkable Captain Saviamaria Ondego, has become the subject of national admiration and pride after flawlessly flying the body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga from India back to Nairobi.
In a touching post shared on its official X page, the national carrier paid glowing tribute to the team that handled one of the most emotional assignments in its history.
"We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our crew who safely flew back the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga and the accompanying delegation from Mumbai. Your professionalism, composure, and dedication in this solemn duty embody the true spirit of service and care that defines us. As #ThePrideofAfrica, we remain honoured to have played a part in bringing one of Kenya's great sons home," Kenya Airways stated.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our crew who safely flew back the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga and the accompanying delegation from Mumbai.
Your professionalism, composure, and dedication in this solemn duty embody the true spirit of service and care that defines us.
As... pic.twitter.com/6PXkQfqmqc- Kenya Airways (@KenyaAirways) October 16, 2025
The post was accompanied by a dignified photo of the four-member crew, led by Captain Ondego, who commanded flight KQ203 - a flight temporarily re-designated RAO001 upon entering Kenyan airspace in honour of the fallen statesman.
Captain Ondego, one of Kenya's trailblazing female pilots, and her team have been widely hailed for their calm professionalism and compassion in handling the emotional repatriation mission. Their poise and dignity reflected not only their commitment to duty but also the heart of a nation united in grief and gratitude.
Online, Kenyans flooded social media with messages celebrating the crew's grace and composure during the historic journey.
"We salute you #ThePrideOfAfrica for taking the great African son back home," wrote X user @otf_fellow.
"The unsung heroes. A lot of pressure and weight on their shoulders. Please ensure they're given the right psychosocial support to enable them to return safely to the skies," added @Mla_Nguzi.
Another user, @Inteligent_Maa, praised the crew's courage, saying, "Proud of them. That was an intense trip executed with precision and passion for the love of Baba and country. We will remember not to forget."
And in a heartfelt tribute to the captain, @22luth wrote, "We are proud of our daughter for flying the enigma back safely - and the entire crew, pongezi."
Across the country, Kenyans have celebrated Captain Ondego and her team as silent heroes who gave Raila Odinga's final journey the honour and dignity it deserved. Their role has come to symbolise unity, professionalism, and pride in a nation saying goodbye to one of its most influential sons.
As many put it online, this was more than just a flight - it was a moment of history, gracefully guided home by Kenya's very own daughter of the skies.
