Raila faces hostile reception in Kisii following recent pact with Ruto

The event, which was supposed to be a celebration, devolved into chaos when a section of the audience chanted "Ruto must go!" as Raila took the podium to address the audience.

Videos showed scores of people leaving the stadium as the ODM leader made his speech.

Raila, who has historically enjoyed strong support from the Gusii region in his past political bids, was accompanied by Kisii Governor Simba Arati, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, and Migori Governor Ochilo Ayako. 

Despite the interruptions, the former Prime Minister continued with his speech, saying his pact with President Ruto is about bringing Kenyans together. 

The incident comes just two days after Raila and President William Ruto signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Friday, signaling a new political partnership between their respective parties, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and ODM. 

The agreement, which aims to foster unity and collaboration in governance, was hailed as a significant step toward national cohesion by its supporters. 

During the signing ceremony, President Ruto emphasized the importance of unity, stating, 

“The unity, stability, and prosperity of this country is not the responsibility of a few; it is the responsibility of all of us, as a nation. While we may have different political persuasions, nobody can fault unity. Nobody can fault equity.”

Raila echoed these sentiments, describing the partnership as a move that will benefit all Kenyans, particularly youth, women, and marginalized communities.

“This unity is not about the two of us. It is for the young people, women, the marginalized...it is for all Kenyans who have felt like they have never been part of Kenya,” he said.

UDA officials, including Embu County Governor Cecily Mbarire, praised the leaders for putting national interests ahead of individual and party agendas. 

“Today, we’re reminded yet again that the nation will always remain bigger than individual and party interests. I am happy that we have not signed a document which remains a secret to the people we represent,” Mbarire stated.