Chaos Rocks Raila Event After Jubilee MCAs Confront Him [VIDEO]

Former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, was whisked away to safety on Friday, October 13 at the Turkana Cultural Festival after he was confronted by Members of the County Assembly (MCA) allied to Jubilee Party, an affiliate of the Azimio la Umoja coalition.

Raila was the chief guest at the event attended 24 hours earlier by President William Ruto when he was confronted by the county lawmakers much to the dismay of the attendees.

A commotion ensued which forced his security aide to evacuate him to a safer area outside the venue, where he addressed the constituents. 

Here is the video:

Turkana Central MP Joseph Emathe was forced to call off the meeting as a result of the escalating tension before Raila got a chance to address the crowd.

However, some ODM supporters were seen raiding the podium, demanding that the event continue as planned.

"There will be no more addresses here, and I have said that as the Turkana Central MP," he declared.

The leaders accused Raila of leaving the community in the cold with regard to key nominations, specifically singling out his daughter, Winnie Odinga, who was elected to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA). 

Lodwar Township MCA Ruth Kuya had earlier claimed that Raila was yet to repay the love and support the community had accorded him, given that Turkana County was one of his strongholds in the 2022 general elections.

"I am a UDA MCA, and I am not afraid to say that. I only fear  God and electricity. Raila, we have given you respect as our leader. We have requested to come to you. We loved you, but you have not returned the favour.

"We have people who have walked with you here and instead of giving them the nomination to EALA, you gave it to your daughter," the Turkana Town MCA complained.

The chaos came a day after Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai dumped the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to work with and campaign for President Ruto in favour of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) which is the main party of the Kenya Kwanza coalition.

According to the governor, he switched camps despite facing threats from powers he did not reveal. 

The stiff opposition, he emphasized, fueled his desire and decision to campaign for the President in the next General Election, pledging to deliver at least 80 per cent of the votes from his region. 

“I am voted by Turkana County people. Those who are making threats that the Turkana Governor is working with the President, who told them that is a crime?” he remarked. 

The decamping of Lomorukai was a big blow to ODM and Raila as he was among the few politicians elected under its ticket in the Rift Valley region.

The party also lost a great opportunity to cement itself as a stronghold in Turkana County. In the 2022 elections, Raila garnered 95,620 votes against Ruto who got 46,510 votes.

Raila Odinga addressing residents of Lodwar, Turkana County on October 13, 2023. /RAILA ODINGA