The Kenya Airways (KQ) captain who flew the late Raila Odinga’s body home from India has revealed tense moments that unfolded when boda boda riders and crowds surrounded the aircraft moments after landing in Nairobi.
Captain Savi Maria Ondego, a veteran pilot with 18 years of flying experience, was in command of flight RAO-001, formerly KQ202, which carried the body of the late former Prime Minister from Mumbai to Nairobi.
KQ Captain Mission That Changed Course
Speaking to Citizen TV, Captain Ondego said what began as a routine return flight from Mumbai turned into one of the most emotional and historic journeys in Kenya Airways’ history.
She was informed of the assignment while preparing to rest after landing in India.
“As I was preparing myself to rest for the flight, my boss sent me a message asking how the team in Mumbai was doing. Later, he said, ‘I know you’ve heard what’s happening in the country… since you’re there, kazi kwenu,’” she recalled.
The message signaled the start of a solemn national duty to fly home the body of one of Kenya’s most revered political figures.
The Final Flight Home
Captain Ondego described the departure from Mumbai as deeply emotional. The loading of the casket onto the aircraft marked a powerful moment for the entire crew.
“I was in the cargo hold whilst he was being placed in. Let alone that he was the late Prime Minister, it was the feeling of a child being taken home. I could understand the pain of his daughter, Winnie,” she said.
The flight carried government dignitaries, family members, and regular passengers.
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In-flight performance manager Jason Mosey, who was part of the crew, noted that emotions were high throughout the journey.
“This was not a normal flight. Everyone on board wanted everything to be perfect,” Mosey said, describing the atmosphere as solemn but united.
Boda Boda Chaos on Arrival
As the aircraft entered Kenyan airspace, its call sign was changed from KQ202 to RAO-001, symbolizing Raila’s final journey home. However, what awaited them on the ground was unexpected.
Captain Ondego recounted that upon landing, crowds and boda boda riders breached the security perimeter, surrounding the plane before passengers had disembarked.
“The boda boda were in front of the aircraft. The crowd surrounded us. I still had passengers on board that I was responsible for,” she stated.
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Despite the confusion, the captain and her crew swiftly coordinated evacuation measures, ensuring all passengers were safely escorted to waiting buses.
“My team, led by Jason, rallied, and we were able to disembark the passengers safely before securing ourselves in the aircraft,” she explained.
A Flight Etched in History
The flight RAO-001 was among the most tracked in Kenya’s aviation history, attracting millions of views online as it made its final descent into Nairobi.
Captain Ondego said the journey was more than a flight; it was a national moment of unity and reflection.
“We carried not just a leader’s body but the emotions of a nation. It was an honour to bring him home,” she concluded.
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