Raila Left Me Empty-Handed After Entertaining Him - Benga Musician

Raila Odinga arrives at Kasarani Stadium during the Azimio la Umoja national convention on Friday, December 10, 2021
Raila Odinga arrives at Kasarani Stadium during the Azimio la Umoja national convention on Friday, December 10, 2021
Kenyans.co.ke
Fred Gikandi

A Kakamega-based Benga musician now claims that he was not paid despite making a moving performance during the famed Bukhungu II Rally on new year’s eve.

Emmanuel Musindi of the popular Lelo ni Lelo hit song stated that he had hoped to make a killing from the event, but went home empty-handed.

His electrifying performance crowned the moment of the day as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, Raila Odinga, made his way into the iconic Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega.

“It’s only Elsie Muhanda who gave me something small, otherwise none of the organizers has reached out to me to appreciate my work,” stated Musindi in a morning radio show.

Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and Raila Odinga Arriving at Azimio la Umoja Event at Bukhungu Stadium on Friday December 31
Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and Raila Odinga Arriving at Azimio la Umoja Event at Bukhungu Stadium on Friday, December 31
File

The popular musician expressed his delight in gracing the occasion, noting that it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him.

“I was invited by Philip Etale (ODM Communications Director). He got me on stage and asked the MCs to give me a chance to perform soon as Baba (Raila Odinga) starts making his way into the stadium,” stated the Benga Musician.

“When I was called on stage to perform as Baba was making his way into the stadium, I knew that I was well factored into the event. In fact, when Baba stood to speak, he asked for my song, which made me very happy. I had never expected that the song would be such a hit,” he added.

The musician performed and danced alongside the ODM party leader, much to the jubilation of the cheering crowd. He also took a swipe at the DJs at the event, who had despised him earlier in the day, only to acknowledge his stature and prowess soon as Raila requested his song.

“My pint-size sometimes works to my disadvantage. The DJs were looking down upon me but when I started performing in front of Baba (Raila), they realized I am not a pushover,” Musindi joked.

The function, convened by Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General, Francis Atwoli, was meant to crown Raila as Western Region’s preferred presidential candidate.

Leaders from Western Kenya, among them Defense Cabinet Secretary, Eugene Wamalwa, and Governors Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega), Wilber Ottichilo (Vihiga), and Sospeter Ojamong (Busia) were in attendance. Defectors from the Amani National Congress, among them MP’s Oku Kaunya (Teso North) and Ayub Savula (Lugari) also made an appearance.

Concurrently, in Mumias, Deputy President William Ruto also addressed a rally at the finals of the Cleo Malala Super Cup. The rally was attended by leaders from the region among then Boni Khalwale, Rashid Echesa, Benjamin Washiali, John Walukhe, and Didimus Baraza.

William Ruto
Deputy President William Ruto makes his way into the Mumias Sports Complex during the finals of the Cleo Malala Super Cup
DPPS