Raila Odinga Jnr has clarified a viral video showing him interacting with residents through a fence in Kilgoris, saying the encounter was a simple exchange with members of the public who recognised him.
The son of the late ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga said the moment happened at the public airstrip in Kilgoris, where he had just alighted from an aircraft.
The interaction drew widespread attention after the video circulated online during President William Ruto’s daughter Charlene Ruto’s traditional engagement and dowry ceremony, popularly known as Koito.
Raila Odinga Jnr was among the guests who travelled to Kilgoris for the event.
Raila Odinga Jnr speaks to Kilgoris residents
In the footage, Raila Odinga Jnr is seen speaking to a group of residents gathered on the other side of a wire fence.
He told the residents that they were brothers and urged them to remain united.
Raila Odinga Jnr also promised to return to the area for a more detailed engagement with residents and discuss issues affecting them.
“ODM ni kutatua shida ya watu wa chini. Na mimi nitarudi nikae na nyinyi, asanteni sana,” he said.
The interaction drew different reactions online, with some Kenyans interpreting the fence as part of security arrangements around the high-profile event.
Others praised Raila Odinga Jnr for stopping to engage the residents rather than simply proceeding with his journey.
Why Raila Odinga Jnr was behind fence
In his statement, Raila Odinga Jnr sought to clarify the circumstances surrounding the video and dispel claims that the encounter happened at William Ruto’s private residence.
“I have seen the video and the comments circulating about me greeting wananchi through a fence,” he said.
“For clarity: this was not at the President’s private home. It took place at the public airstrip in Kilgoris.”
He said residents who recognised him waved him over and asked to greet him as he left the aircraft.
“The fence is a standard safety barrier that protects the landing area for aircraft,” he said.
Raila Odinga Jnr said he responded to the residents as he normally would when interacting with members of the public.
He also appeared to take the online attention in good humour.
“On a lighter note, I am pleased by the rigor and keen interest with which netizens follow my journey. I shall endeavour to update you more frequently,” he said.
The episode has nevertheless given Raila Odinga Jnr another moment of public visibility as political attention increasingly turns towards the 2027 General Election.
