Captain Saviemaria Ondego, who works with Kenya Airways, has narrated how she felt when transporting the remains of Raila Odinga from India to Kenya.

On October 16, 2025, Kenya Airways Boeing 737-800 returned the body of Raila, and upon approaching Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Ondego felt the heavy weight.

She added that the Captain’s job is different, but that day was a “surreal experience.”

“Every day in our job is different, but that flight carried a heaviness — a sense of responsibility to the nation,” Ondego said.

Kenya Airways flight carrying the body of the fallen statesman, Raila Odinga, was the most tracked plane.

Top government officials, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary (CS) Musalia Mudavadi and other government officials, travelled to India to escort Raila Odinga back home.

Live air traffic monitoring service Flightradar24 highlighted that flight KQ203 — a Boeing 737-800 — topped global tracking charts with over 10,800 people watching its progress from Mumbai to Nairobi.

Also Read:Kenya Airways Announces Changes in Plane Carrying Raila Odinga’s Body

Captain Saviemaria Ondego Narrates Events

Captain Saviemaria said she was picked to lead the flight and ensure Raila Odinga returns home safely.

According to her, she accepted to go because she was representing Kenya at large.

“It was an honour to ensure everything went smoothly and that Honourable Raila Odinga was brought home safely,” she shared.

Also Read:LIVE BLOG: Public Viewing of Raila Odinga’s Body Begins in Kisumu

She continued to say that emotions took over her the moment she was supposed to address passengers.

“I went to make the announcement, and nothing came out. I had to pause, take a breath, and then try again. My voice was shaky, but the words finally flowed,” she said.

However, she took the chance on behalf of the Kenya Airways family to send condolences and a sympathy message to Raila Odinga’s family, friends, and all Kenyans.

Captain Ondego said the sombre mood around JKIA reminded her how deeply Kenyans love and are connected to Raila Odinga even in sorrow.

“It wasn’t just a flight. It was a journey of love, honour, and unity,” she said.

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Kenya Airways Plane at the JKIA for illustration purposes. PHOTO/KQ Facebook.