Raila Odinga’s visit to Gusii Stadium on March 9, 2025, took an unexpected turn when Shabana FC fans erupted into chants of “Ruto must go” upon his arrival. This came just a day after Odinga had reached an agreement with President William Ruto, a move that seemed to have sparked discontent among his supporters.
His visit to the stadium followed a consultative meeting with ODM leaders from the Gusii region, but the reaction from the crowd indicated a growing sense of betrayal among his loyal followers.
The stadium, which was set to host an important match for Shabana FC, became a political battleground as fans expressed their frustration.
Instead of welcoming Odinga as they had done in the past, many supporters of the club chose to walk out of the stadium in protest. The chants filled the air, sending a clear message that not everyone was pleased with the latest political developments.
The situation turned tense, shifting the focus from the football match to the political mood in the region. Shabana FC, a team that has risen from the National Super League to the Kenya Premier League, has always enjoyed strong support from the Gusii community.
Their journey has been a source of pride for many, and the club’s matches often draw large crowds. However, on this occasion, politics overshadowed the event, showing how deeply the local fans felt about Odinga’s recent decisions. The fact that they chose to leave rather than stay for their beloved team’s match was a strong indication of their dissatisfaction.
Odinga’s decision to engage with Ruto had already raised questions among his supporters, many of whom have opposed the Kenya Kwanza administration. The Gusii region has traditionally been a stronghold for Odinga, but the stadium incident suggests that his influence might be facing challenges.
The chants and walkout reflected a shift in political emotions, hinting that a section of his supporters might no longer see him as the opposition figure they once relied on.The events at Gusii Stadium have now become a major talking point, with analysts speculating on what it means for Odinga’s political future.
While he remains a key figure in the opposition, the reaction from Shabana FC fans signals potential cracks in his support base. It remains to be seen how he will handle this situation and whether he will address the dissatisfaction expressed by his loyal supporters.
For now, what was meant to be a routine visit has turned into a moment of reflection for the ODM leader and his political strategy moving forward.
