‘It Was Surreal, This Was Not a Normal Flight’: Pilot Who Flew KQ Plane Carrying Raila’s Body Recounts Emotional Journey

In one of the most solemn moments in Kenya’s aviation history, Captain SavieMaria Ondego — the pilot who flew the Kenya Airways aircraft repatriating the body of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga — has opened up about the extraordinary experience of commanding flight RAO001, describing it as “surreal” and unlike any other in her career.

The Kenya Airways Boeing 737-800 carrying the remains of the late opposition leader touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 9:33 a.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2025, greeted by an unprecedented water cannon salute — the first ever accorded to a Kenyan political leader. Two fire trucks arched jets of water over the aircraft as it taxied to a stop, a gesture of national respect for a man who defined Kenya’s democratic struggle.

“I’m SavieMaria Ondego, captain on the 737-800,” she said in an emotional Kenya Airways video that has since gone viral. “It was a surreal moment. Every day is not a normal day in our job — we just fly the roster. But there was a heaviness and a responsibility to our country that made this not a normal flight.”

The aircraft, originally scheduled as KQ203, had its call sign changed to RAO001 in honour of Raila Odinga — a symbolic tribute approved by Kenya Airways management and aviation authorities.

As the crew prepared for departure from India, the weight of the occasion was overwhelming. Captain Ondego recalled struggling to address passengers moments before takeoff.

“I went to speak and nothing came out,” she said. “I had to come off the speaker, take a deep breath, and then try again. My voice was shaky, but it was important to me. Somehow, the words flowed. We all knew this was not just a flight — it was a mission to bring a national hero home.”

For Jason Mose, the in-flight performance manager, the journey was equally emotional.

“This was both overwhelming and humbling,” he said. “I knew I had to go because I was representing Kenya — the entire nation. It was an honour to be part of the team entrusted to bring home the Right Honourable Raila Odinga.”

Mose said the crew felt a deep sense of empathy and national unity throughout the mission.

“Our hearts go out to the Odinga family, to all Kenyans, and to our Kenya Airways fraternity,” he added. “Raila Odinga supported this company immensely, and we understood the weight of this moment — not just for us, but for every Kenyan.”

The KQ plane that flew Raila from Dubai to Nairobi.

When the plane’s doors finally opened at JKIA, President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and members of the Odinga family stood at the foot of the aircraft to receive the casket, which was draped in the Kenyan flag.

A solemn silence engulfed the tarmac as soldiers bore the coffin onto a ceremonial platform.

Outside the airport, thousands of mourners lined Nairobi’s streets — waving flags, holding portraits, and chanting liberation songs in memory of the man who shaped Kenya’s post-independence political journey.

The government declared Friday, October 17, a national public holiday to honour Raila’s legacy. A State Funeral Service was held at Nyayo Stadium, followed by an overnight vigil at his Karen residence. On Saturday, the body was flown to Kisumu and later transported by road to his Bondo home in Siaya County for final burial on Sunday, in accordance with Anglican traditions.

Raila Odinga, aged 80, passed away in Kerala, India, on Wednesday, October 15, after suffering a cardiac arrest. His death marked the end of an era for a leader whose life was defined by resilience, reform, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

As Captain Ondego summed it up:

“It was not a normal flight. It was history in motion — and we were humbled to carry our nation’s spirit through the skies.”