The shock, disbelief, and grief that followed could be felt across every corner of the country. But for one pilot — Captain Saviemaria Ondego — this moment would soon turn into one of the most unforgettable experiences of her life.
At the time of Raila Odinga’s death, Captain Saviemaria was stationed in Mumbai, India, preparing for what was meant to be a routine Kenya Airways flight to Nairobi.
Her day had started early with a gym session and the usual pre-flight checks. Then, a message from her family group arrived. It confirmed what many Kenyans feared — Raila Odinga was gone.
“It was shocking and painful,” she said quietly.
“I remember sitting still for a few moments, trying to understand what had just happened. It was hard to believe that Baba — a man who had fought for Kenya’s democracy all his life — was no more.”
Even with the heavy news, she and her crew continued preparing for their assigned flight. Little did they know that within hours, they would be called for a mission that would make aviation history.
The Unexpected Call
Back in Nairobi, Kenya Airways management was already making urgent plans to assist in bringing Raila Odinga’s body home.
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