Jacaranda rally or Mashemeji derby? Raila supporters face tough choice

Azimio leader Raila Odinga says the planned January 29, 2023 opposition rally at Jacaranda Grounds, Nairobi, is still on.

This is despite calls by Gor Mahia FC Secretary Sam Ochola to postpone the rally for the sake of 'Mashemeji Derby' slated for the same day at Nyayo National Stadium.

Raila is Gor Mahia patron. A sizeable constituency of the club's supporters also happen to follow his political beliefs. The derby, which will be the 95th one will see Gor take on arch rivals AFC Leopards from 3pm. 

"As our dear Patron, we wish to remind you of our Mashemeji Derby Clash with AFC Leopards at 3pm at Nyayo National Stadium, the same day you will be holding consultative meeting cum demo. We hereby inform you to grace the occasion," Ochola addressed Raila earlier this week. 

"We also appeal to you to consider either rescheduling the demo or having it in good time to enable the supporters of both clubs make their way to the stadium in time for the Derby," he added. 

But in a short social media statement released on Saturday morning, Raila insisted that the Jacaranda meeting is still on. "Hatutishwi wala hatutatishwa," he said. "Tukutane Jacaranda!' [We cannot and won't be intimidated; let's meet in Jacaranda]. 

The Jacaranda rally is aimed at piling pressure on the administration of President William Ruto over alleged illegitimacy in office. 

Ruto beat Raila in the August 2022 presidential race. Though the Supreme Court in Kenya validated Ruto's victory, Raila and his Azimio brigade alleges that there was widespread voter fraud. 

Last Monday, he held another rally at Kamukunji Grounds soon after arriving in Kenya from a seven-day visit to South Africa.