Flights, Friendships, and Fine Whisky: Memories of Raila’s Flights

Dr Richard Kubo, Executive Chairman of Twinstar Aviation, has paid tribute to the late Raila Amolo Odinga, recalling his years as the former Prime Minister’s pilot and close acquaintance.

Speaking at Wilson Airport in Nairobi, Kubo reflected on more than a decade of flights shared with Raila, describing him as a curious and engaging passenger whose interest in aviation never waned. Whether travelling to political events, business meetings, or private retreats, Raila was known for his lively conversations and fascination with how aircraft operated.

“He loved flying,” Kubo said. “He was always eager to understand the mechanics of flight, asking questions throughout the journey.”

Raila often chose a seat near the cockpit, where he interacted freely with the crew. His trademark tumbler, sometimes filled with Glenfiddich, other times with Johnnie Walker, was a familiar sight on board. Kubo recalled that it was not the drink but the discussions that defined these journeys, with Raila turning each flight into what the pilot described as “a moving classroom.”

Twinstar Aviation’s association with the Odinga family began through Raila’s late son, Fidel Odinga, who was both a client and a friend of the company. That professional link grew into a lasting friendship between Kubo and the former Prime Minister.

“Our bond grew from business into something personal,” Kubo said, noting the mutual respect and trust that developed over the years.

One of Kubo’s most memorable flights took place on 26 August 2024, when Odinga and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo were scheduled to travel to Kisumu for the FESTAC cultural festival. Security protocol required the two leaders to fly separately, but Odinga insisted they share the same aircraft.

“These are my boys. I know them very well and nothing will happen,” he reportedly told the protocol officer.

The two eventually flew together, arriving in Kisumu in high spirits. Raila's friendship with Obasanjo dated back to the funeral of his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice-President. Over the decades, Obasanjo maintained a close relationship with the Odinga family, attending key milestones such as the opening of East African Spectre in 1995 and mediating during Kenya’s post-election disputes in 2007 and again in 2023.

Their friendship often continued in the skies, with Kubo piloting several of their joint flights. While Twinstar Aviation has served numerous high-profile clients, Kubo said Raila stood out for his intellect, humour, and disregard for strict formalities.

“He was one of the most interesting clients I’ve ever flown,” he said, recalling several occasions when Odinga’s relaxed approach to protocol created memorable moments on board.

Kubo attended Raila's burial last Sunday in Siaya County, where mourners gathered at Kang’o ka Jaramogi to honour the late leader. Having just returned from Kisumu, he spent the day reflecting on their shared experiences and revisiting photographs from their travels.

For Kubo, those flights represented more than professional duty-they were chapters of friendship and trust.