Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has dismissed claims that he sponsored a section of youths to heckle former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Gusii Stadium on Sunday March 9, 2025.
In a statement on Sunday night, Onyonka denied involvement in the incident, revealing that he was out of the county for work in Mombasa when the heckling occurred.
He also defended Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi of any blame, stating that he was also out of the county for work.
“I am out for work in Mombasa, and my brother Kibagendi is equally out on work commitments. It is ridiculously stupid for anyone to link any of us with what happened in Gusii Stadium today,” he stated.
His remarks emerged after Raila was heckled at Gusii Stadium on Sunday, where he had attended the unveiling of Shabana FC’s new kit.
Videos shared on social media showed scores of people leaving the stadium as the ODM leader made his speech.
Angry residents started shouting ‘Raila must go’ shortly after he started addressing the crowd at the stadium in Kisii County.
The incident comes two days after Raila and President William Ruto signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Friday.
Meanwhile, the new political partnership between President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and ODM was hailed as a significant step towards national cohesion.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, President Ruto emphasized the importance of unity in the country.
“The unity, stability, and prosperity of this country is not the responsibility of a few; it is the responsibility of all of us, as a nation. While we may have different political persuasions, nobody can fault unity,” stated Ruto.
His sentiments were echoed by Raila, who described the partnership as a move that will benefit all Kenyans.
“This unity is not about the two of us. It is for the young people, women, the marginalized…it is for all Kenyans who have felt like they have never been part of Kenya,” he said.
Other UDA officials including Embu County Governor Cecily Mbarire, praised Raila and Ruto for for putting national interests ahead of individual and party agendas.
“Today, we’re reminded yet again that the nation will always remain bigger than individual and party interests. I am happy that we have not signed a document which remains a secret to the people we represent,” Mbarire stated.
