Flight RAO001: How the KQ Crew Carried ‘Baba’ Home
Featured Updated: 27 October 2025 14:32 EAT
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When Kenya Airways (KQ) dispatched flight KQ 203 from Nairobi to Mumbai late on the evening of 15 October 2025, it began as a straightforward diplomatic-logistics operation.
A delegation of thirty officials, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, was headed to India to oversee the repatriation of the body of Raila Amolo Odinga, “Baba” to millions of Kenyans.
For Captain Saviamaria Ondego and her crew, it was meant to be a precise and procedural journey. But in the quiet hours of 16 October, the call came that changed everything.
This was no longer just a flight; it would be the solemn, symbolic duty of carrying a statesman, and the nation’s grief, home.
At the controls sat Captain Saviamaria Ondego, senior pilot within the KQ Dreamliner fleet and daughter of the late Brown Ondego, the celebrated former Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director who modernized Kenya’s harbors and global trade links.
Now, years later, his daughter commanded another vessel, not of sea, but of sky, guiding Kenya’s national carrier on one of its most historic flights.
“Captain Ondego and her team demonstrated unmatched composure, professionalism, and empathy in executing one of the most significant flights in our history.”
“Today we acknowledge a significant loss across Kenya and Africa. On behalf of the Kenya Airways family, we extend our deepest condolences on the passing of the Right Honourable Raila Odinga.”
“It really was a surreal experience. Every day in aviation is not a normal day, but this one carried the weight of a nation. There was heaviness, yes, but also honour.”
“To our country, to Kenyans all around, to the family of Honourable Raila Odinga, our hearts are with you. We love you, and we are one as a country moving forward.”
Supporting her in the cockpit and cabin was a seasoned, hand-picked crew: Kevin Otinde, In-Flight Performance Manager, coordinated the cabin operations and communication with the delegation.
Jason Mose (Mosley), In-Flight Performance Manager, oversaw ceremonial and security protocols. He later said, “It was emotional and overwhelming, but I knew I had to go because I represented Kenya Airways and my country. It was an honour to ensure that all protocols were observed and the Honorable Raila Odinga was brought safely home.”
Mwaizangu Festo, Flight Purser, led the hospitality crew, ensuring the cabin atmosphere remained dignified and calm.
Alongside them were five additional cabin-crew members, discreetly managing a plane where silence and reverence replaced the usual hum of chatter and service.
Captain Ondego, the symbolism was deeply personal; the daughter of a man who once managed Kenya’s maritime gateways was now commanding the nation’s aerial homecoming.
The plan was simple: depart Mumbai around 03:45 a.m. IST and arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by 09:30 a.m. EAT.
But as the delegation concluded preparations and the aircraft taxied for takeoff, KQ management approved a quiet gesture of reverence.
Once the aircraft entered Kenyan airspace, its call sign officially changed from KQ 203 to RAO 001, a coded salute to Raila Amolo Odinga.
In that instant, the flight ceased to be routine. It became ceremonial, Kenya’s skyborne cortege.
At its peak, more than 50,000 people followed the flight live on Flightradar24, making it one of the most-tracked flights worldwide that morning.
Inside the Dreamliner, stillness prevailed. The First Officer placed a hand on his chest as the call sign switched. The purser moved gently through the aisle, offering tissues to the delegation.
Whispered prayers floated through the cabin as the engines hummed softly against the dawn sky.
“Pure class, this crew. God bless you all, Kenya Airways,” wrote Senator Edwin Sifuna after landing.
It was clear to all on board: this aircraft carried more than passengers; it carried the heart of a nation.
As RAO 001 crossed into Kenyan airspace, anticipation swelled both on the ground and online.
At 09:28 a.m., the Dreamliner’s wheels touched down at JKIA. The airport’s fire trucks rolled into formation and released twin arcs of water in a solemn water-cannon salute, an honour reserved for heroes and dignitaries.
“We may fly many hours, but this one we will never forget.”
Outside, crowds of mourners broke into chants of “Baba! Baba! Baba!” as the coffin draped in the Kenyan flag was carefully lowered and handed to awaiting officials.
The delegation stood silently as the family received the body.
The homecoming was complete.
Minutes later, the logbook recorded it plainly: Arrival RAO 001. But for those who lived it, that entry bore the weight of history.
Captain Ondego reflected, “This wasn’t just transporting a body. It was returning a father to his homeland.”
Kenya Airways followed with a heartfelt note: “We are humbled to have played a part in bringing one of Kenya’s greatest sons home. Flight RAO 001 will forever remain part of our story.”
For Captain Ondego, daughter of a port legend, the meaning was profound. Her father had once brought Kenya closer to the world by sea; now, she had done the same by air.
RAO 001 began as KQ 203, an ordinary flight on paper.
Yet through a shift in call sign, purpose, and spirit, it became a vessel of remembrance and unity.
In the steady hands of its captain and crew, Kenya’s grief found grace in motion.
Tags: Raila Amollo Odinga Raila'S Biography Saviamaria Ondego Flight RAO001
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Selestine Nyongesa
Experienced and versatile writer, dedicated to using my exceptional writing and editing skills to inform and advocate. My work focuses on educating and entertaining readers on a range of topics, with a particular expertise in matters of disability.