At Gusii Stadium in Kisii County, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga encountered a challenging reception from some attendees during a football match on Sunday, March 9, 2025. The event, which was meant to be a celebratory launch of Shabana FC’s new kits, took an unexpected turn when sections of the crowd began chanting “Ruto must go!” and “Raila must go!”
The hostile reception is a reflection of the growing discontent among some of Odinga’s supporters following his recent political cooperation agreement with President William Ruto.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) aimed to address Kenya’s socio-economic and political challenges through structured dialogue and bipartisan engagement.
However, the agreement has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that it represents a betrayal of ODM’s core principles. Notably, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has been vocal in his opposition, terming the MoU as “the ultimate betrayal”.
Despite the mixed reactions, Odinga continued with his address, emphasizing the importance of unity and cooperation for the nation’s progress.
However, the event highlighted the contentious political climate and the challenges that lie ahead for both Odinga and Ruto as they navigate this new political partnership
