The hostile reception ODM leader Raila Odinga received at Gusii Stadium on Sunday has elicited mixed reactions from leaders in Kisii and Nyamira counties.
Some leaders condemned the incident, terming it disrespectful while others have said it was a justified after Raila had downplayed former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i presidential ambitions.
Gusii Council of Elderschairman James Matundura said the incident was a clear communication to the ODM leader to be careful about what he says about other leaders.
“The reaction from the young people was very natural. They were reacting to what Raila himself said while in Kisii days earlier. He demeaned members of the community. What would he expect from the people who have supported him for so long and to whom he has turned against?” Matundura said.
He urged leaders to be sensitive against creating tribal animosity by what he termed careless utterances.
“A person is judged by the words from his mouth. Leaders should be careful,” he said.
But Lake Basin Development Director Helen Makone condemned the heckling, saying it was unfortunate.
“Raila is a statesman, and he should be accorded the respect he deserves,” Makone said.
North Mugirango MP Joash Nyamoko also condemned the incident but said the reaction from the crowd was a political statement that should not be underrated.
“That was communication enough that we can also have a say in national politics and we should be respected,” Nyamoko said.
Nyamira Woman MP Jerusha Momanyi termed the heckling of a misstep.
“We hold each other in Nyanza in the spirit of togetherness. The kind of reaction we witnessed is against such a bond, and we should think about how to avoid such incidents because in the future, we will need support of our neighbours,” she said.
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka said political intolerance should be discouraged at all times but said the events in Kisii on Sunday should not be taken lightly.
“The events that happened in Kisii are regrettable. Nevertheless, this should serve as a wake-up call to the concerned people to find out why Raila Odinga was being resisted,” Onyonka stated in his X handle.
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Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi said the message the youth passed to Raila was that Gusii people were against his union with President William Ruto.
“It is a serious message to Raila that what he did by joining Ruto was against the wish of not only the Shabana fans but also many other Kenyans who have had him as a defender,” Kibagendi said.
Raila was booed when he arrived at Gusii Stadium Sunday afternoon, where Shabana Football Club was signing a Sh70 million sponsorship deal with Sportpesa.
Youths chanted Matiang’i’s name and shouted anti-Raila and Ruto messages. Skirmishes also broke out among the youth.
When he rose to speak, Raila’s speech was drowned in chants of ‘Matiang’i! Matiang’i!’ and “Raila must go!” “Ruto must go!”
No one was seriously injured during the melee, according to Kisii County Commander Charles Kasses.
“We have not received any report of anyone who was injured during the incident so far,” Kasses said.
According to some of the youth who talked to The Standard, the negative response to Raila was linked to his recent remarks about Matiang’i.
After meeting ODM delegates at the ATC Hall in Kisii Town on Thursday last week, Raila reportedly said votes from his Kisii community alone would not make Matiang’i president.
“Any person who listened to what Raila said did not take it kindly, especially after recalling what he did in 2002 when he ditched Simeon Nyachae and supported Mwai Kibaki. We cannot stomach anymore from Raila,” said Charles Kenagwa, Kisii Youth For Development chairman.
