Azimio leader Raila Odinga was on Friday quickly whisked away to safety after chaos marred his event at the Turkana Cultural Festival.
According to reports, the former prime minister was invited as the chief guest, as a group of Jubilee Party MCAs confronted him. The event took an unexpected turn when some of the attendees began to express their dissatisfaction with Odinga’s leadership, resulting in a series of disruptive incidents.
As Raila Odinga took the stage, a section of the audience began to boo and criticize the ODM leader, raising concerns about his handling of key appointments and his alleged neglect of the Turkana community.
In particular, they cited the controversial nomination of Winnie Odinga to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) as a point of contention.
In response to the escalating tension, Raila’s security team swiftly moved him to a safer location outside the venue, where he later addressed the constituents. The leaders who confronted him expressed their disappointment and frustration, accusing him of failing to adequately represent their interests and concerns.
The turmoil continued to escalate when Turkana Central MP Joseph Emathe decided to adjourn the meeting before Raila could address the gathered crowd.
This abrupt decision led to some of Raila’s ODM supporters taking matters into their own hands by storming the podium, demanding that the event proceed as originally planned.
“There will be no more addresses here, and I have said that as the Turkana Central MP,” MP Joseph Emathe stated
Earlier in the event, Lodwar Township MCA expressed his grievances, emphasizing that Raila Odinga had not reciprocated the love and support extended to him by the Turkana community throughout the years.
“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 approached you with our requests. We loved you, but you have not returned the favor. We have individuals in our community who have stood by your side, and instead of nominating them to EALA, you chose to nominate your own daughter,” the Turkana Town MCA lamented.
This incident has further fueled discussions about the relationship between political leaders and their constituents and the ongoing debate over equitable representation in key appointments.