Raila Odinga Junior has spoken out for the first time after facing heavy criticism online over a video that went viral.
The clip showed him greeting a crowd through a fence in Kilgoris, and many social media users accused him of looking down on ordinary Kenyans.
In a statement on Tuesday, August 11, Raila Junior set the record straight. He explained that the video was not taken at President William Ruto’s private residence, as many had assumed. Instead, it was recorded at a public airstrip in Kilgoris.
According to Junior, he had just stepped out of an aircraft when a group of residents recognized him and waved.
He responded to their greetings in a normal and friendly way, just as anyone would do.
He also clarified that the fence seen in the video was not a gate to anyone’s home. It was simply a standard safety barrier meant to protect the aircraft landing area.
Junior made it clear that there was nothing unusual about his interaction with the crowd.
The clarification came after the video sparked heated debate on social media.
Many people had criticized him, saying his actions showed disrespect toward ordinary citizens. However, his explanation seemed to calm the situation.
Raila Junior was in Kilgoris for a traditional engagement ceremony for President Ruto’s daughter, Charlene Ruto, which took place on Saturday, August 8.
He attended the event alongside his mother, Mama Ida Odinga, and his sister, Winnie Odinga, who is a Member of Parliament for East Africa.
Several top government officials, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, were also present at the high-profile occasion.
