Raila Odinga Encounters a Hostile Reception at Gusii Stadium in Kisii

Former prime minister Raila Odinga encountered a hostile reception at Gusii Stadium in Kisii County on Sunday, March 9, as a section of the crowd heckled and jeered him during an event. 

Raila was attending the official launch of Shabana FC’s new kits, an event which was also attended by several dignitaries.

Following Raila’s arrival at the stadium, sections of the crowd staged a walkout as he began addressing the crowd while others chanted ‘Raila Must Go’.

Residents in Gusii Stadium walk out of Raila Odinga’s address. Photo: Courtesy.

Notably, Governor Arati had a difficult time also calming the crowd as he attempted to introduce the dignitaries present at the event, with the crowd turning restless when Raila’s name was mentioned.

This came just two days after the ODM leader famously signed a MoU that will see the United UDA andODM work together.

Chants of "Raila Must Go" at Gusii Stadium in Kisii County as a section of attendees voice their discontent following the arrival of the ODM Party Leader who recently entered into a political cooperation agreement with President William Ruto.

The hostile reception signals… https://t.co/q2ZnSRsoDZ pic.twitter.com/K8A6Q91Wrc

— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) March 9, 2025

Among the key agreements reached between the two leaders are the full implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, addressing youth unemployment, and the implementation of the two-third gender rule.

Additionally, Raila’s comments during a consultative meeting in Kisii on Thursday, March 6, appear to have further inflamed sentiments. 

Addressing the crowd at the Kisii Farmers Training Centre, Raila downplayed the presidential prospects of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.