Editor's Review

Nyeri residents on Saturday evening broke into celebrations after Raila lost the AUC chairperson seat to Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf. 

A section of leaders from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have expressed their displeasure after Nyeri County residents broke into celebrations on Saturday following Raila Odinga’s loss in the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship race.

In an update on Sunday, February 16, Saboti lawmaker Caleb Amisi wondered about the kind of hatred Nyeri residents had for the former Prime Minister.

He mentioned that Raila might punish the Nyeri residents by supporting President William Ruto’s re-election in 2027.

“Nyeri residents celebrating Raila's loss at AU is the lowest they can go in their unexplained hate on him. Baba will punish you by supporting Ruto's re-election! What kind of hatred is that surely,” said Amisi.

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma asked Raila to forgive the Nyeri locals saying they don’t know what they were doing.

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“I forgive these people from Nyeri. Forgive them Baba, for they do not know what they are doing. May this cement and strengthen our relationship with President Ruto to fight harder for Kenya against ethnic exclusion and hegemony,” Kaluma stated.


Screengrab image of Nyeri locals celebrating Raila's AUC defeat. 

ODM director of communications Philip Etale on his part reminded Nyeri residents how Raila supported late President Mwai Kibaki in the 2022 general election.

Etale claimed that the ODM leader even used his own money to rush Kibaki to a hospital in London when he was involved in an accident.

“Dear Nyerians, Kenya is bigger than you people. When Raila said Kibaki Tosha (from Nyeri), ran up and down and even used his credit card to take him to hospital in the UK after the nasty accident, he knew very well that Emilio was from Nyeri.

“Verily, there will come a time when other people will sing, dance, and celebrate the downfall of a man or woman from Nyeri. Tolerance is paramount,” said Etale.

Nyeri residents on Saturday broke into celebrations after Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf was declared the AUC chairperson.

One of the locals said she was pleased with Raila’s loss and the defeat will see him focus on issues facing the country.

"We are happy that God has brought Raila back to us. Now, we want him stand firm, just as he always has and expose all the hidden truths about where our children are going. We welcome him with open arms and want him back,” said one of the locals.