Youths heckle Raila Odinga in Kisii, walk out on him
ODM leader Raila Odinga (centre), Kisii Governor Simba Arati (left) and his deputy Elijah Obebo at Gusii Stadium on March 9, 2025
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga had a difficult Sunday afternoon at Gusii Stadium after a section of rowdy youths heckled him and staged a walkout.
The youths chanted slogans against Mr Odinga and President William Ruto, accusing the former of backing the political cooperation deal signed at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi in on Friday.
The former Prime Minister was in Kisii to witness the official unveiling of Shabana FC's new kit for the 2024-2025 season.
An event full of pomp and colour quickly turned chaotic when Mr Odinga's presence was announced by the master of ceremonies.
The ODM leader landed at the stadium a few minutes before 2pm, accompanied by Governors Johnson Sakaja (Nairobi), Ochilo Ayacko (Migori) and ODM Youth League member Kasmuel Macoure. They were received by the host Governor Simba Arati.
The leaders then proceeded to the stadium boardroom where they held a brief meeting.
They emerged from the boardroom wearing white Shabana jerseys emblazoned with the logo of the gaming company SportPesa.
They entered the pitch and played some football before returning to the main dais for the ceremony.
As soon as Mr Odinga took his seat in the VIP area, the MC again acknowledged his presence by calling out his name.
At this point, hundreds of youths began chanting "Ruto must go! Raila must go!
Others waved plastic chairs in the air as others mentioned the name of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i.
Dr Matiang'i, who hails from the region, is said to be keen to unseat President William Ruto in the 2027 elections. The heckling caused panic in the stadium.
Those who feared for their lives scampered for safety as the security apparatus worked in earnest to restore normalcy.
The youths blamed the former Prime Minister for comments he made about Dr Matiang'i when he toured the region last Thursday for a 'consultative meeting' with the people.
Mr Odinga met delegates from Kisii and Nyamira counties in a closed-door meeting at the Agricultural Training Centre in Kisii town.
Addressing the press after the meeting, Mr Odinga poured cold water on Dr Matiang'i's much talked about presidential bid.
Asked whether he would reciprocate the support the Abagusii had given him in his many failed presidential bids, Mr Odinga said the former CS could not become president with the votes of Kisii alone.
This was interpreted by many in the region as a dismissal of their son's political worth.
"We have supported him for a long time. Why should he say such things? Every presidential candidate has a community he comes from.
So why bring up the issue of communities when it comes to Dr Matiang'i? We were saddened by his sentiments which seemed to belittle us, the Abagusii," one fan was overheard saying.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati and Migori Senator Eddy Oketch were also jeered as they tried to engage the charged crowd at the stadium.
Governor Arati resorted to using the local dialect, Ekegusii, to try and persuade the youths to remain calm, but it fell on deaf ears.
"Let me tell you, this is not the way we should do it. Even if we have someone from our community eyeing the seat, this is not the way we should be courting other people who we want to support us. Please remain calm," Governor Arati pleaded.
In his speech, Mr Odinga said he had already decided to work with President Ruto to unite the country and fight corruption.
"Mimi ndiye yule Raila mmoja. Tumekubaliana kutembea na kufanya kazi pamoja. Yule ambaye anasema ng'we ng'we ng'we shauri yake," said Mr Odinga.
This loosely translates to "I am Raila, the one and only. We have decided to work and run together. Those who continue to make noise are on their own.
The ODM leader, who returned to the country's volatile politics after losing the African Union Commission chairmanship race, said he would still return to Kisii to talk to his supporters.
"I will be back soon to talk to you, my people. You have supported me for a long time," Mr Odinga said. He recalled Shabana's journey from the grassroots to the top flight and vowed to support the club. He donated Sh1 million to the club.