Raila Must Go: ODM leader Raila Odinga encountered a hostile reception at Gusii Stadium in Kisii County on Sunday, March 9, as a section of the crowd heckled and jeered him during a public event. The veteran politician was attending the official launch of Shabana FC’s new kits, alongside high-profile dignitaries such as Kisii Governor Simba Arati and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
Upon his arrival, Raila was met with resistance from sections of the audience, who chanted “Raila Must Go” and staged a walkout as he attempted to address the crowd. The unexpected hostility came just days after he signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with President William Ruto, a move that has sparked controversy and speculation.
Kisii Residents Walk Out on Raila Odinga Amid Political Tension
The event at Gusii Stadium turned tense as Raila Odinga attempted to speak, only to be met with chants and heckles from sections of the crowd. Many disgruntled attendees walked out in protest, showcasing growing dissatisfaction with the ODM leader. The incident has raised questions about Raila’s influence in the region, traditionally considered one of his strongholds.
Observers suggest that the hostile reception may be linked to Raila’s recent comments during a consultative meeting in Kisii on March 6. During the meeting at the Kisii Farmers Training Centre, Raila downplayed the presidential aspirations of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
“There’s nothing like a community producing a candidate. Someone running for the presidency of Kenya cannot be elected based on Kisii votes, Luo votes, Luhya votes, or even Mount Kenya votes,” Raila remarked.
This statement appears to have alienated a section of Kisii residents who feel that Raila is dismissing their political aspirations.
MoU With Ruto Sparks Speculation About Raila Odinga’s Political Future
The heckling in Kisii follows Raila’s recent signing of a controversial MoU with President William Ruto. The agreement, which aims to ease political tensions in the country, has led to speculation that Raila might be considering a role in Ruto’s administration.
Despite widespread conjecture, Raila has maintained that the MoU is not a political coalition but rather an initiative to address the country’s pressing socio-political and economic challenges.
“Today we have signed an MoU between ODM and UDA. The goal of the MoU is to help ease the prevailing tension in the country, reconcile the population, alleviate suffering, and move the country forward by addressing the critical social, political, and economic issues our people are grappling with today,” Raila explained.
However, critics argue that the agreement may be a strategic move ahead of the 2027 elections, with Raila potentially aligning himself with the ruling administration.
Political Fallout: Rift Emerges Within ODM Following MoU
The MoU has caused ripples within the ODM party, with some members expressing concerns about Raila’s decision to engage with President Ruto. Some ODM loyalists view the move as a betrayal of the party’s opposition stance, especially given past criticism of Ruto’s administration.
Political analysts suggest that the MoU could deepen divisions within ODM, with some members backing Raila’s reconciliatory approach while others oppose any form of cooperation with the government.
Kisii County has traditionally been an ODM stronghold, but Raila’s recent political maneuvers appear to have unsettled the local electorate. The walkout at Gusii Stadium may indicate that Raila’s grip on the region is weakening.
Public Reaction: Mixed Responses to Raila’s MoU With Ruto
Kenyans remain divided on Raila Odinga’s decision to sign the MoU with President Ruto. Some citizens believe that the agreement is a necessary step toward national unity and economic stability, while others feel that it undermines the opposition’s role in keeping the government in check.
On social media, the reactions have been polarized. Supporters of the handshake argue that Raila is prioritizing national interests over partisan politics. However, critics accuse him of abandoning his long-time opposition stance for personal political gains.
The youth-led protest in Kisii could be an indication of the broader discontent simmering among ODM supporters, who feel alienated by Raila’s recent moves.
What Lies Ahead for Raila Odinga?
The recent events in Kisii signal a possible shift in Raila Odinga’s political fortunes. Once a dominant figure in Kenya’s opposition politics, Raila now finds himself navigating uncharted waters as he engages with the ruling administration.
The key question remains: Will Raila’s supporters accept his new approach, or will his engagement with Ruto cost him political capital?
As Kenya inches closer to the 2027 elections, Raila will need to carefully manage the fallout from his latest political decisions. His ability to retain his influence will depend on how he communicates his intentions to his supporters and whether the MoU with Ruto yields tangible benefits for Kenyans.
For now, the rejection he faced in Kisii serves as a stark reminder that political loyalty is never guaranteed. Raila Odinga will have to work harder to regain the confidence of those who once stood firmly behind him.
