Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Barasa has condemned the violence that broke out at Gusii Stadium following Raila Odinga’s appearance at an event.
The incident saw a section of the crowd jeer the former prime minister while others chanted anti-Ruto slogans, creating a tense atmosphere.
In a statement shared on his X account on Sunday, March 9, 2025, Barasa criticized the scenes witnessed in Kisii, calling them divisive and harmful to the country’s democratic values.
He emphasized that political violence is detrimental to national unity and described the behavior as petty and primitive.
“Political violence is a deeply damaging force that undermines the principles of democracy and fosters division within our country. I strongly condemn what is happening in Kisii. It looks petty and primitive,” Barasa stated.
Images and videos seen by K24 Digital captured chaotic moments as some members of the crowd heckled Raila while others engaged in chants demanding both President William Ruto and Odinga to step down. The disruptions intensified as a section of Shabana FC fans chose to leave the stadium when Odinga took to the stage.
Odinga was in Kisii County alongside Governor Simba Arati and other senior government and ODM leaders for the official launch of Shabana FC’s new kits. However, the event was overshadowed by the hostile reception he received from the crowd.
Ruto-Raila
The heckling comes just a day after the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party entered into a coalition agreement with President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to collaborate within the government.
The historical occasion, which brought together former adversaries turned allies, was attended by legislators from both political divides.
President William Ruto was accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, alongside other Kenya Kwanza lawmakers.
Government officials, including Cabinet and Principal Secretaries, were also present at the event, where a scarlet red carpet was rolled out for both leaders.
The ODM party was represented by key figures such as Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga, and Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati.
Before the signing, prayers were conducted, setting the stage for Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina, who served as the event’s MC.
Ahead of appending their signatures, the Secretary Generals of both parties—Sifuna for ODM and Hassan Omar for UDA—outlined the key issues they had committed to tackling together.
Among these were the full implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, addressing corruption, creating job opportunities for the youth, resolving conflicts of interest, auditing the national debt, and ensuring justice for victims of protests.
