Chaos erupted at Gusii Stadium as opposition leader Raila Odinga faced an unexpectedly hostile reception, just days after signing a Broad-Based Government pact with President William Ruto.
Trouble began shortly after Raila took his seat at the VIP dais, with sections of the crowd erupting into chants of “Raila must go” and “Ruto must go.”
The situation escalated when rival factions clashed over how the heckling should proceed, with some supporters chanting the name of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, while others called for both Raila and Ruto to exit the political stage.
Tensions boiled over as groups exchanged blows and hurled chairs at each other, forcing security personnel to intervene and shield the main dais.
Despite attempts to restore order, the chaos persisted, prompting many spectators to walk out in protest.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati made several attempts to calm the crowd, pleading with them in Ekegusii to respect Raila.
“Even if we are grooming our own leader, we must respect others. Raila must guide us on the way forward,” he urged.
However, his appeal did little to subdue the unrest.
Migori Senator Eddy Okech also bore the brunt of the crowd’s hostility when he praised Raila’s contributions to democracy.
“Raila has done a lot for this country. We must trust him in uniting Kenya,” he said, only to be met with more heckling.
When Raila finally rose to speak, he carefully avoided politics at first, choosing instead to highlight the history of Shabana FC, the club whose sponsorship deal was being unveiled at the event.
But as the heckling persisted, he briefly addressed the political situation.
“We want to unite Kenyans because the country is bigger than all of us. Those protesting should be patient our plan is for peace, national cohesion, and development. Wale mnapiga ng’we ng’we, shauri yao. Watalia baadaye (Those heckling will regret later),” Raila said in a short speech lasting under three minutes.
Unlike previous visits to the region, where he was met with enthusiastic chants of “Baba,” Raila’s reception this time signaled growing tensions over his newfound alliance with President Ruto.
His pact with Ruto has sparked divisions, particularly within Azimio, with figures like Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni openly criticizing him for what they see as a betrayal.
The event, which was meant to celebrate Shabana FC’s new Ksh 70 million sponsorship deal with SportPesa, was attended by Kisii Governor Simba Arati, Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko, SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri, and other leaders.
Raila personally donated Ksh 1 million to the club, while Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja contributed Ksh 300,000, and Ayacko gave Ksh 50,000.
Despite the chaotic scenes, Raila maintained his composure, but the episode underscored the deepening political rifts in the country as the 2027 elections draw closer.
