ODM Senator Denies Claims of Sponsoring Raila’s Heckling at Gusii Stadium
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has strongly dismissed allegations that he funded the heckling of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Gusii Stadium on Sunday. He described these claims as baseless and misleading.
In a statement released on Saturday night, the ODM senator clarified that he was not even in Kisii County when the incident happened. He stated that he was away in Mombasa for official duties at the time.
Onyonka also came to the defense of Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi, who was similarly accused of being behind the heckling.
The senator emphasized that Kibagendi was also out of the county on work-related commitments, making it impossible for either of them to be involved.
“I am currently in Mombasa for work, and my brother Kibagendi is also away on official duties. It is absurd and completely ridiculous for anyone to link us to what happened at Gusii Stadium today,” Onyonka said.
He further dismissed the idea that anyone could mobilize and pay thousands of passionate football fans just to heckle a politician.
He pointed out that Shabana FC supporters are well-known for their deep loyalty to the sport and do not need any external motivation to attend matches.
“It is completely illogical to assume that someone can influence over 15,000 devoted football fans to show up at a match, something they have always done willingly without any political involvement,” he added.
Calls for Reflection on Raila’s Hostility in Kisii
While condemning the incident as unfortunate, Onyonka suggested that those affected should take a step back and analyze why Odinga faced such hostility in Kisii County.
“What happened today in Kisii is regrettable. However, this should serve as a wake-up call for leaders to reflect and understand why the people in Kisii reacted the way they did towards Baba Raila Odinga,” he stated.
The senator distanced himself from any form of political violence, insisting that he has always advocated for peaceful political engagements throughout his long career.
“For over two decades that I have been active in politics, I have never encouraged violence or chaos. My constituents can confirm this.
I firmly stand against political intolerance and urge our people to exercise restraint and maintain peace in future political events,” he said.
Social Media Backlash and Political Allegations
The senator’s response came after a wave of accusations on social media, where several users linked him and MP Kibagendi to the heckling incident.
Despite their membership in ODM, critics speculated that their recent association with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) following a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) might have influenced their stance.
The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon when Raila Odinga arrived at Gusii Stadium to watch a football match. He was met with hostility from the crowd, with sections of football fans chanting “Raila must go” and “Ruto must go.”
This marks one of the most significant instances of public opposition Odinga has faced since signing the MoU with President Ruto’s government.
Meanwhile, Onyonka has openly declared his support for former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i in the 2027 presidential elections.
Despite being in ODM, he has frequently aligned himself with opposition figures, even as his party works closely with the current government.
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