- For over several hours, a dedicated Kenya Airways crew operated a historic flight from Nairobi to India and back
- The national carrier was bestowed with the solemn honour of ferrying the body of ODM leader Raila Odinga from India
- Commanding the Boeing 737-800 Dreamliner was Captain Saviamaria Ondego, whose dedication and professionalism have been lauded
Kenya Airways has feted the crew that was in charge of the so-watched Kenya-bound flight from India on Thursday dawn, October 16.
Source: Twitter
The national carrier had the honour of ferrying the body of the late Raila Odinga from Mumbai.
Which KQ plane ferried Raila Odinga’s body?
The Kenya Airways Boeing 737-800 Dreamliner departed Nairobi on Wednesday evening, October 15, and was boarded by a delegation of 30 people headed by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
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It happened to be the most-tracked flight in recent days, with at least 30,000 eyeballs monitoring it in an instant.
Whilst the focus might have been on the delegation and the purpose of the flight, the real work in the skies was undertaken by a team in both the flight deck and the passenger cabin.
The crew was led by Captain Saviamaria Ondego and co-piloted by a male first officer.
Also on board were flight attendants.
How KQ honoured its crew in RAO-001 flight
KQ celebrated their commitment and dedication as they featured in Raila’s final journey on earth.
The grief evident in their eyes told how tumultuous the round-trip was, with the country’s flagship airline lauding their composure and professionalism in the face of grief.
“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our crew who safely flew back the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga and the accompanying delegation from Mumbai. Your professionalism, composure, and dedication in this solemn duty embody the true spirit of service and care that defines us. As #ThePrideofAfrica, we remain honoured to have played a part in bringing one of Kenya’s great sons home,” the airline celebrated the crew.
Kenyans recognised the noble cause they committed themselves to, and joined in celebrating them, calling for better recognition for having got themselves a place in the books of history.
ODM secretary general and Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna was among those who honoured the crew.
Sifuna, who was part of the delegation that fetched Raila’s body from India, recognised the team for its professionalism.
“Pure class this crew. God bless you all Kenya Airways,” Sifuna tweeted.
Below are other reactions from Kenyans;
“This is truly commendable But , let’s not let their names go unsung. Can Kenya Airways publicly recognize (by names) the crew that brought Raila Odinga home? They deserve to be remembered too,” said Linex Mugambi.
“Proud of them. That was an intense trip executed with precision and passion for the love of Baba and Country. We will remember not to forget,” said Intelligent Maa.
“Kudos to the entire crew for handling such a solemn mission with professionalism and care. Bringing Baba home safely is a service the nation will always remember,” Guda Experience noted.
“This team should be appreciated with EGH title during mashujaa day celebrations.. They are the real shujazz of the nation,” Tracey Macharia.
“This is what professionalism under purpose looks like. In that cockpit and cabin were men and women who knew they weren’t flying a regular flight , they were escorting history itself. Kenya Airways proved that it’s not just a carrier of passengers, but a custodian of national,” Kevin Mutsami.
“Their faces tell it was not an easy job, composure to deliver over expectations and intense emotions Bravo team,” Dutches of Masaku.
Source: Twitter
Inside KQ’s round-trip to India to bring Raila Odinga’s body
The plane departed Kenya for Mumbai on Wednesday evening, October 15, moments past 6:30 pm, and landed at 1 am.
The Kenyan delegation found the body already flown from where Raila died, to Mumbai, by a special Indian Air Force aircraft.
The KQ flight left Mumbai for Kenya at about 3:30 am.
In a spectacle with a profound meaning, KQ offered that upon the plane entering the Kenyan airspace, the flight’s call sign would change to RAO-001 in honour of Raila’s legacy.
The aircraft touched down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) moments past 9:40 am.
It was a accorded the Upon landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), it received a water salute, signifying “tears” from the crew and the aviation community’s tribute.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
