Opposition leader Raila Odinga encountered a divided audience at Gusii Stadium on March 9, where a section of attendees jeered him during the unveiling of Shabana FC’s new kits. Despite Kisii County being a long-time political stronghold for Raila, the event took an unexpected turn as some residents openly heckled him, while others engaged in anti-government chants.
The gathering, which included Kisii Governor Simba Arati, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, and ODM Youth League member Kasmuel MCOure, grew restless when Raila was introduced. Attempts by Governor Arati to pacify the crowd were unsuccessful, and many attendees began leaving the stadium as Raila took the stage to speak.
The hostility comes just days after Raila signed a controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), a move that has sparked debate among political leaders and the public. Critics, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, have condemned the agreement, calling it a betrayal.
Additionally, tensions may have been fueled by Raila’s recent remarks about former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i’s presidential prospects. Speaking at a meeting in Kisii on March 6, Raila downplayed Matiang’i’s chances, arguing that no candidate could win the presidency based solely on support from their ethnic community.
