KQ went out of its way to ensure swift, dignified return of body

Mourners breach security after the plane ferrying the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga landed at JKIA, Nairobi, on October 16, 2025. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

The passing of Raila Odinga, fondly known as “Baba,” has stirred profound national mourning in Kenya, and with it, a significant spotlight has fallen on Kenya Airways (KQ) for the dignified repatriation of his remains. While the airline has long handled the transport of deceased individuals with quiet efficiency, this moment marked an unprecedented occasion – returning home a statesman deeply woven into the national consciousness.

Death, though inevitable, often catches people far from home. For Africans, especially, the return of a loved one’s body is not just a logistical matter but a sacred act, essential for cultural and spiritual closure. Many African traditions demand that proper rites be performed in the homeland; without the physical presence of the departed, the mourning process feels incomplete.