Raila Odinga Junior has moved to clarify a video that went viral after he was filmed speaking to a group of residents from behind a wire fence in Kilgoris, Narok County.
The video sparked reactions online, with some social media users linking the scene to the traditional wedding of President William Ruto’s daughter, Charlene Ruto, and Isaya Yunge, which was held in Kilgoris on Saturday, August 8.
In the video, Raila Junior is seen speaking to a group of people on the other side of the fence.
He tells them that they should sit down and discuss how to bring development to the area and address the problems facing ordinary Kenyans.
“Let’s sit down and bring development here. We will sit and see what the problem of Kenyans is, including the problem of the people on the ground, and not the problems of the people on the top,” he said.
The footage quickly spread online, with some users suggesting that Raila Junior had been speaking to residents from outside the President’s private residence.
However, in a clarification issued on Tuesday, August 11, Raila Junior said the claims were misleading.
He explained that the incident happened at the public airstrip in Kilgoris and not at President Ruto’s private home.
“For clarity, this was not at the President’s private home. It took place at the public airstrip in Kilgoris,” he said.
According to Raila Junior, he had just arrived by aircraft when a group of residents recognised him and called him over to greet them.
“As I alighted from the aircraft, a group of wananchi who recognised me waved me over and asked to greet me,” he added.
He also explained the reason he was standing behind the fence, saying it was a normal safety barrier used around the aircraft landing area.
“This fence is a normal safety barricade that shields the place where the planes land.”
It comes at a time when the video has been gathering momentum on social media as people question the nature of events that led to this meeting.
Raila Junior seemed pleased with how much attention his actions have gotten, noting that he is happy Kenyans were watching him very keenly.
He also stated that he will keep informing the public on all the things he does.
The young politician, who has over the past few months shown interest in venturing into elective politics, has shown his intentions of running for parliament in the next General Election slated for 2027.