NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya Airways (KQ), the national carrier, announced on Friday, October 17, that it is significantly increasing its flight frequency and capacity to Kisumu City to manage the expected surge in travel demand leading up to the burial of the late former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga.
In a formal statement, KQ confirmed the immediate adjustments to its schedule: “We’ve increased our flight frequency to Kisumu over the weekend to accommodate the high travel demand.”
To facilitate movement during this period of national mourning, the airline has implemented specific upgrades and additions to its services:
- Friday, October 17: Two additional flights, KQ656 (13:30 HRS) and KQ658 (19:00 HRS), were added.
- Saturday, October 18: An extra flight, KQ650 (06:50 HRS), was scheduled, and the capacity of KQ654 (08:05 HRS) was increased via an upgrade to a Boeing 737 aircraft.
- Sunday, October 19 (Burial Day): Flight KQ654 (08:05 HRS) and flight KQ671 (19:00 HRS) will both be upgraded to Boeing 737s to handle larger passenger volumes.
- Monday, October 20 (Post-Burial Returns): To accommodate mourners traveling back from the funeral service, flights KQ654 and KQ670 will both be upgraded to Boeing 737s.
The carrier concluded its announcement by reassuring the traveling public of its commitment to service reliability: “We remain committed to ensuring seamless travel for all our guests.”
Funeral logistics and final journey
The increased flight capacity aligns with the movement of the former Prime Minister’s body. Following a State Funeral service and public viewing at Nyayo National Stadium, Mr. Odinga’s body is scheduled to remain overnight at the Lee Funeral Home.
Also Read: Raila Odinga Jnr vows to uphold his father’s legacy in emotional tribute at state funeral
On Saturday morning, October 18, the body will be airlifted to Kisumu, a major political stronghold.
A large public viewing event is planned at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium (Mamboleo) between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
A subsequent motorcade will then escort the body by road from Kisumu to its final destination: his rural home in Bondo, Siaya County, where an overnight vigil will be held at Opoda Farm.
The official funeral service and burial rites will take place at Opoda Farm on Sunday, October 19, where Raila Odinga will be laid to rest alongside his mother, Mary Ajuma Odinga, fulfilling his final known wish.
