ODM leader Raila Odinga at Gusii stadium. Photo/The Standard
By Wanderi Kamau
The heckling of Raila Odinga in Kisii on Sunday, March 9, 2025, has sparked a heated debate, with questions arising about whether the incident was orchestrated.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader was met with chants of “Ruto must go!” from a section of Shabana FC fans, who then walked out of Gusii Stadium shortly after his arrival to grace a football match.
Raila was booed following his ‘working deal’ with President William Ruto on Friday, 7 March, 2025
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The incident has led to speculation about possible political scheming, with some suggesting that it was a deliberate move to embarrass Odinga in a region considered one of his strongholds. Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai took to social media to allege that certain political figures from Kisii had a hand in mobilizing the crowd against the opposition leader.
Onyonka distances himself
However, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has strongly refuted the claims, dismissing them as baseless. “I had no role in whatever transpired. This was purely spontaneous and not orchestrated by any leader,” Onyonka said. He added that heckling is part of politics and should not be blown out of proportion.
Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi also distanced himself from the allegations, saying that it was unfair to blame leaders for what he termed as “genuine frustration from the people.” “There was no meeting or plan to heckle Raila. The people of Kisii are politically conscious and express their feelings freely. We should not overanalyze this incident,” Kibagendi stated.
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Some political analysts argue that the heckling could be a reflection of shifting political dynamics in the Gusii region. “It is clear that support for Raila in Kisii is no longer guaranteed. The crowd’s reaction could be a sign of growing dissatisfaction,” said political analyst Duncan Omwenga.
