RAILA FORCED TO RUN AWAY FROM PODIUM. (VIDEO)

On Saturday, March 25, a video went viral on various social media platforms claiming that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was compelled to dash from a podium, failing to address a crowd in Nyaribari Chache, Kisii County.

With over 2,000 Twitter views, the video showed Raila running away from a podium three seconds after receiving a microphone from former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, to address mourners in Kisii.

It also showed his bodyguard rushing to help him out of the podium, sparking mixed reactions from Kenyans online.

However, Kenyans.co.ke, authoritatively established that the video was edited to mislead his supporters.

The video was cut, showing him approaching the podium and merged with another video which showed him leaving the stage after addressing the residents. 

Kenyans.co.ke also observed that the podium was weak, which compelled Raila’s bodyguards to help him. The dais was set up using pieces of wood which appeared feeble.

On Friday, March 24, Raila addressed the residents for close to seven minutes, insisting that protests would be held every Monday and Thursday.

Addressing the mourners, the Azimio la Umoja leader insisted that anti-government mass actions were meant to thwart attempts to sell government assets without the involvement of the National Assembly and the public.

Raila also dismissed calls to halt Monday and Thursday protests in various parts of the country.

“They want to sell parastals without involving the Parliament. They want to sell even government companies to their own people,” Raila accused President William Ruto’s administration.

Earlier, Ruto asked Raila to face him directly and stop weekly demonstrations, which he argued had affected his regime performance and service delivery.

“Touts and traders, boda bodas, and kiosk owners did not work on Monday. What are you asking them? If you have a problem, face me. Stop disturbing citizens.

“Let me ask you (citizens), the person who competed with him is me. Why is he disturbing mama mboga? Stop disturbing the citizens, if you have a problem, come face me. I defeated you,” he posed.

By kenyans