Kenyans at Gusii stadium and Shabana FC fans staged a protest against Azimio leader Raila Odinga.
The fans, who had gathered for the highly anticipated Shabana FC jersey launch at Gusii Stadium, staged a walkout and began chanting “Ruto must go!” moments after Raila arrived to grace the event.
However, as Raila made his way to the stadium, a large number of fans walked out.
Before the incident, the former prime minister had been warmly received by Kisii Governor Simba Arati.
Raila had been invited for the unveiling of Shabana FC’s new kit by their sponsor, SportPesa.
Moreover, he was accompanied by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, his Migori counterpart Ochilo Ayako and politician Kasmuel McOure.
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Why did Raila Receive a Hostile Reception in Gusii
Raila has traditionally enjoyed strong support in Kisii. However, the incident showed a shift in political support and climate in the area.
Earlier on March 6, the former prime minister downplayed the presidential bid of former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i in the anticipated in 2027.
Raila, while holding his consultative meetings in Kisii County said that that regional voting blocs alone could not secure the presidential seat.
Further, Raila said that Matiang’i would have a ‘mountain to climb” and could not elected on the basis of support from his ethnic community alone.
“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,
“If you want to be elected, you will be elected by Kenyans generally,” Raila stated.
Also Read: Has Raila Dumped James Orengo?
Coalition with Ruto
Earlier, while signing a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ruto at the Kenya International Convention Centre (KICC), Raila hinted at forming a coalition with the president ahead of 2027.
In his speech, Odinga noted that the MoU will help address the country’s economic, social, and political priorities affecting youth agenda for the last 62 years since independence.
“We make it clear that the memorandum we have signed today does not define the formation of a political coalition between ODM and UDA,”
“However, its successful implementation could inform the basis of steps toward the establishment of broadly, constitutive and progressive formation for a stable country in future,” he said.
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