- Kenya Airways gave Kenyans a sneak peek of the events as they panned out inside the RAO-001 flight that brought the body of Raila Odinga from India
- The iconic flight from Mumbai, India, happened to have been the most tracked on Thursday dawn, October 16
- The national carrier shared the flight deck recordings between the captain and the controllers at the JKIA moments before touchdown
Eli Odaga, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Kenya Airways has shared with Kenyans how events panned out in the iconic RAO-001 flight that brought the body of deceased ODM leader Raila Odinga home.
Source: Twitter
Flight KQ203 was charged with bringing the remains of the deceased leader from India on Wednesday evening, October 15.
It left the country moments past 6 pm and arrived in Mumbai at about 1 am.
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The Kenyan delegation found the body already flown from where Raila died in Kochi, to Mumbai, by a special Indian Air Force aircraft.
The 30-member team led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi received the body, boarded the KQ plane and left Mumbai for Kenya at about 3:30 am.
It touched down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Nairobi, at 9:43 am.
The national carrier released the flight deck recordings bearing the interactions between the captain and the Air Traffic Control at the JKIA.
The flight was operated by Captain Saviemaria Ondego.
How Captain Ondego eulogised Raila
At the start of the flight was the captain’s welcome briefing, in which she gave her heartfelt tribute to the late Raila.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Today, we acknowledge a significant loss felt 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, a visionary leader and a passionate Pan-Africanist. His influence transcends borders, inspiring many with his dedication to peace and determination to address our continent’s challenges,” she is heard.
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Captain Ondego recognised Raila’s commitment to championing the well-being of the aviation business.
She then addressed a message of goodwill to Raila’s immediate family, sharing in the grief they are currently enduring.
“Raila Odinga was a respected leader in Kenya and a vital supporter of Kenya Airways. His advocacy helped shape our growth in Africa, highlighting the role of aviation in driving economic change. His legacy will inspire us as we pursue greatness and unity in propelling Africa’s prosperity. Our thoughts are with Mama Ida Odinga, the Odinga family, friends, supporters and all Kenyans during this difficult time. We honour and celebrate his legacy as a leader who will always hold a special place in our hearts. Thank you for your attention and may the Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga rest in peace,” she added.
After the briefing, the flight took off from Mumbai en route to Nairobi, with Kenyans actively tracking it, noting every level and nautical mile it covered.
How RAO-001 flight’s landing was handled
The flight approached the Kenyan airspace moments after 8 am, and it was at this moment that the flight’s call sign shifted from KQ203 to RAO-001, with the captain establishing her initial contact with the ATC to prepare for landing.
“Nairobi…Nairobi… good morning, RAO-001,” the captain is heard.
Source: Twitter
The ATC seemed to have been waiting for this particular flight, given the quick, seamless connection with the captain’s call.
The team at the tower was hospitable, with an approach controller saluting the captain as they took her through the phase from when she entered the Kenyan airspace.
“RAO-001! Good morning mum…flight level 360…Squawk 5431,” a male voice from the tower is heard.
The communication between the captain and the tower continues.
“RAO-001, descend 9,100 feet on QNH of 1023,” comes a female voice from the Nairobi tower.
“9,100, 1023, RAO-001,” the captain replied and got the “correct” approval from the tower.
“Cleared ILS approach via the Jomoktu-Charlie (sic) transition, report established,” the female voice comes up again.
“Cleared ILS via Jomoktu-Charlie (sic) transition, next established, RAO-001,” the captain says.
The plane then eased into a smooth turn, syncing with the ILS guidance for the runway as it followed the path as directed.
“RAO-001, established ILS Runway 06,” the captain is heard moments later.
She was directed to the exact tower that would handle her landing.
“RAO-001, continue approach, contact Tower 118.7, Karibu nyumbani,” the female voice is heard.
Complying with the tower, the captain switched frequencies and connected with her new approach controllers.
“118.7, RAO-001…Jomo Tower, good morning, RAO-001, final Runway 06,” she is heard.
“A very good morning to you, RAO-001, Runway 06, wind is 030 at 05 knots, cleared to land,” an new male voice responds.
“Cleared to land, RAO-001,” the captain goes.
While the aircraft continued its smooth descent, the tower came back on air with a final instruction.
“That’s correct, there’s traffic keeping well clear of Runway 06 on your 0300,” she is told.
“Looking out,” she responds.
“The traffic is well clear, there’s a helicopter doing a circuit,” she is assured to land.
As the runway came into clear view amid strong coordination with the tower, the captain landed flawlessly and taxied to the gate, where water cannons had been aligned for the water salute, as multitudes gathered inside and outside the airport to receive the body.
Did KQ celebrate its crew on RAO-001 flight?
Meanwhile, the national carrier recognised its team for its composure and professionalism while operating the most-followed flight in an instant.
Kenya Airways took pride in them for being part of Kenya’s history by flying home the body of an eminent patriot and revered social justice crusader.
Many Kenyans acknowledged the crew’s noble mission and joined in celebrating their role, urging that their place in history be properly honoured.
Among those who paid tribute was ODM Secretary General and Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna.
The senator was part of the delegation that accompanied Raila’s body from India.
He commended the team for its professionalism and composure throughout the journey.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
