When the Kenya Airways plane carrying the body of Raila Odinga from India landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on October 16, 2025, it was accorded a ceremonial water salute.
Similarly, on Saturday October 18, when the military aircraft carrying Raila's body landed at Kisumu International Airport from Nairobi, it was given a water salute.
Two fire engines stood on opposite sides of the runway, spraying arcs of water over the aircraft in these rare and emotional ceremonies.
Both flights were Raila's last. The KQ flight was his last arrival in the country, and the military aircraft landing in Kisumu with his body was his final flight to his home city.
The water salutes were a symbolic gesture to honour and respect the fallen statesman.
Water Salute Meaning
A water salute is a special aviation ceremony involving the spraying of water in the air by fire engines. It is mostly used to mark important occasions and is considered one of the greatest honours in aviation.
During the salute, an airport fire engine sprays water into the air to form a graceful archway over a passing aircraft.
It is usually performed on special occasions such as the final flights of retiring pilots or to honour distinguished individuals.
Also Read: Live Updates: Raila Odinga's Body in Kisumu
The water salute for Raila went beyond the ceremony; it was a tribute to a man whose life was defined by service, sacrifice, and leadership.
It was a powerful symbol of farewell and gratitude for his immense contribution to the country.
The salute also signified Odinga's dignified return home and graceful goodbye for his devotion to democracy and justice.
This tradition was established many years ago in the aviation world and was inspired by a naval tradition in which ships sprayed water to honour the return of their crew.
Nowadays, fire trucks line up on either side of the runway and spray water to create a canopy as the plane passes underneath.
