By Mulembe Times | October 18, 2025
Kenya Airways (KQ) has announced an increase in flight frequency to Kisumu City this weekend to accommodate the surge in travel demand as thousands of Kenyans journey to attend the funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.
In a statement released on Friday, October 17, the national carrier confirmed the additional flights and aircraft upgrades, saying the move was aimed at ensuring smooth travel for mourners and dignitaries attending the high-profile burial in Siaya County.
“We’ve increased our flight frequency to Kisumu over the weekend to accommodate the high travel demand,” KQ stated. “We remain committed to ensuring seamless travel for all our guests.”
Additional Flights and Upgrades
According to the airline, the following adjustments have been made to the Kisumu route:
- Friday, October 17: Two additional flights — KQ656 (1330 HRS) and KQ658 (1900 HRS).
- Saturday, October 18: Additional flight KQ650 (0650 HRS), while KQ654 (0805 HRS) will be upgraded to a Boeing 737 to increase passenger capacity.
- Sunday, October 19: Flights KQ654 (0805 HRS) and KQ671 (1900 HRS) will both be upgraded to Boeing 737s.
- Monday, October 20: To facilitate the return of mourners after the burial, flights KQ654 and KQ670 will also be upgraded to Boeing 737s.
Kenya Airways noted that these changes will help manage the heavy passenger traffic expected at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Kisumu International Airport, as thousands travel to pay their final respects to the opposition leader.
Funeral Schedule and Arrangements
Following a day-long public viewing exercise at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Friday, Raila Odinga’s body was later transferred to Lee Funeral Home for an overnight stay.
On Saturday morning, October 18, the body will be airlifted to Kisumu aboard a special aircraft. Upon arrival, a public viewing ceremony will take place at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium (Mamboleo) between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., giving residents of the Lakeside region an opportunity to pay their respects.
A motorcade procession will then accompany the body from Kisumu to Bondo, Siaya County, where an overnight vigil will be held at Opoda Farm, Raila’s rural home.
The final funeral service and burial rites are scheduled for Sunday, October 19, at the same location. In accordance with his last wishes, Raila Odinga will be laid to rest beside his mother, the late Mary Ajuma Odinga.
National and Global Mourning Continues
Raila’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief both locally and internationally, with leaders from across the world — including former U.S. President Barack Obama — paying tribute to his lifelong struggle for democracy and justice.
Thousands are expected to travel from across Kenya and abroad to attend the burial, prompting heightened security measures in Siaya and Kisumu counties.
