Raila Forced to Stop Crowd from Invading Uhuru Dias [VIDEO]

ODM leader Raila Odinga speaking in Kisumu on October 22, 2020.
ODM leader Raila Odinga speaking in Kisumu on October 22, 2020.
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ODM leader Raila Odinga on Thursday, October 22, was forced to intervene in an attempt to control the crowd that threatened to spill onto the podium where President Uhuru Kenyatta and other dignitaries sat. 

Thousands of Kisumu residents at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Complex, who were chanting in excitement overwhelmed the security officials prompting the ODM leader to step in.

The commotion seemed to worsen after Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o, introduced Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka to address the charging crowd.

Odinga stepped to the microphone and called for the crowd to stay calm just before Speaker Lusaka could give his remarks.

Watch the video of the commotion below:

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A section of the crowd appeared to be charging towards the dias as Odinga tried to calm them.

The crowd would finally settle, allowing the president to make his speech. At one point Uhuru joked about marrying a second wife from Kisumu.

“Sijui kama mama nyumbani ataniruhusu…akiniruhusu labda naweza kupata mtu wa kuwa ananitengenezea mambo yangu pande hii…ndio tuwe tunatembea ukijua kuna pahali utakula ugali (I don't know whether my wife will allow me to get a lady from this region. It would be nice to know that when I'm around here someone will take care of me, and I have somewhere to eat),” he stated as the audience roared in laughter. 

Kenyatta commissioned the upgrading of Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground in Kisumu City, which was renamed Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Complex.

He explained that the enhancement of the historic park would include the construction of new facilities among them an amphitheater, floating restaurant, and football pitch.

“It must be taken together, it is a package that is addressing what ails the Republic of Kenya in the hope of making our country better, in the hope of making our country stronger, in the hope of ensuring our people are able to live a prosperous life without fear," he stated.

The president acknowledged that there are proposals within the BBI report that required administrative and legislative actions but cautioned against quick fixes saying such attempts had failed in the past.

President Uhuru Kenyatta speaking at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium
President Uhuru Kenyatta speaking at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium
PSCU
President Uhuru Kenyatta speaking at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium

“I have heard some people say that some of the proposals in BBI only require administrative and legislative process, yes we are aware of that but what is required is a full package that will ensure complete healing of the country,” he stated.

The Head of State appealed to leaders to unite and deliver justice to Kenyans through BBI, saying the process is not a political contest.

“We don’t want to leave anyone out, we want all Kenyans to be inside the house, all Kenyans to be contented. And if you have something which you feel has been left out, tell us so that we can include it,” he acknowledged.

On his part, ODM leader Raila Odinga drummed up support for the proposal in his stronghold.

"We are heading directly to the referendum and it will be successful. The report is out and some have already read it. We want 80 percent of Kenyans to vote for BBI," he stated.

ODM leader Raila Odinga speaking in Kisumu on October 22, 2020.
ODM leader Raila Odinga speaking in Kisumu on October 22, 2020.
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