Raila Odinga Faces Hostile Reception in Kisii as Crowd Chants ‘Raila Must Go’

Raila Odinga Faces Hostile Reception in Kisii as Crowd Chants ‘Raila Must Go’

Kisii – Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga faced an unexpected hostile reception at Kisii Stadium on Sunday, March 9. This came just days after he signed a controversial MoU with President William Ruto, leaving his supporters divided.

During the launch of Shaban FC SportPesa kits, a section of the crowd expressed their anger. As Raila arrived, some fans erupted into chants of “Raila must go!” Others staged a dramatic walkout, leaving many shocked.

The stadium, once a stronghold for the ODM leader, became a battlefield of divided loyalties. While some cheered, others jeered, making it nearly impossible for him to address the gathering.

Crowd Rejects Raila’s Deal with Ruto

The unrest didn’t stop with Raila. The crowd also turned against President Ruto, chanting anti-government slogans. This reaction is widely believed to stem from Raila’s newfound closeness with the Kenya Kwanza leader.

Many in Kisii, a region that has supported Raila for decades, feel betrayed by his sudden alignment with Ruto’s administration. The boos and jeers at Gusii Stadium reflected the growing discontent among his traditional support base.

Chaos soon followed as tempers flared. A mother was seen shielding her child from flying plastic chairs as disorder broke out. Security teams struggled to restore calm amid the escalating tension.

Kenyans React to the Dramatic Scene-Raila

The incident sparked heated debates across social media. Many Kenyans took to different platforms to express their views:

• Kimuzi: “Raila is losing relevance at a very fast pace. Kisii has done us justice.”
• Alfred Keter: “Thank you, Kisii County, for rejecting this bread-based handshake nonsense! Raila couldn’t believe his eyes!”
• Keganda Sanya: “Raila has visited Kisii twice in a week, but the reception has been cold. The ground has shifted.”
• Didmus Wekesa Barasa Mutua: “Political violence is dangerous and undermines democracy. What happened in Kisii was petty and primitive.”
• Jim Njue: “Youths walking out on Raila in Kisii – absolutely beautiful scenes!”
• Ambani Ambani Snr: “The voice of the people is the voice of God. This handshake has been rejected!”

Raila’s Take on Matiang’i’s Presidential Bid

The Kisii chaos comes just days after Raila dismissed ex-Interior CS Fred Matiang’i’s presidential ambitions. While in Kisii, Raila argued that Matiang’i lacks a national strategy and is relying too much on regional support.

“You cannot win the presidency just by banking on your community. You need a national appeal,” Raila warned.

This statement did not sit well with some Kisii leaders, adding more fuel to the growing tensions in the region.

What’s Next for Raila?

The booing in Kisii has left many questioning Raila’s next political move. Has the handshake with Ruto cost him his support? With 2027 on the horizon, Raila now faces the challenge of winning back his base before it’s too late.

ALSO READ: Reasons why Mudavadi, Wetangula skipped Ruto-Raila deal signing ceremony emerge

Raila Odinga Faces Hostile Reception in Kisii as Crowd Chants ‘Raila Must Go’