According to Citizen TV journalist Stephen Letoo, who was part of the media team accompanying the officials and family members, the atmosphere at the Indian airport was heavy with emotion and disbelief.
When the team landed, the casket draped in the Kenyan flag was already prepared and surrounded by Indian military officers.
The plane that would carry the body back to Kenya remained running throughout the brief ceremony.
Prayers were conducted beside the casket before it was carefully loaded into the aircraft’s cargo section for the journey home.
Letoo explained that the body had been placed in a temporary casket and was not ready for public viewing.
The delegation therefore chose not to open it, assuming that the formal viewing and final preparations would be done once the body arrived in Kenya.
The process was solemn and swift, guided by the urgency to bring Raila’s remains home for national mourning.
One of the most emotional moments for Letoo was his encounter with Raila’s long-time bodyguard and aide, Maurice Ogeta. Ogeta, who had been with Raila during his final days in India, was overwhelmed by grief.
He struggled to speak, expressing deep disbelief over the passing of the man he had faithfully served for years.
Letoo recalled that Ogeta appeared shattered but still determined to fulfil his duty. He described him as a man torn between personal loss and professional responsibility. Despite the pain, Ogeta focused on ensuring that every detail of the repatriation was handled with dignity.
The two men encouraged each other to remain strong and complete what they referred to as their final assignment for Raila.
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