Raila Junior responds to viral video of him addressing Kilgoris residents behind fence

Raila Odinga Junior has responded to a viral video showing him greeting residents from behind a fence in Kilgoris, clarifying the circumstances surrounding the encounter.

The video sparked discussion on social media, with some users questioning why the son of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga appeared to be separated from members of the public by a fence.

In a statement issued in response to the circulating video, Raila Junior said the incident took place at the public airstrip in Kilgoris and not at President William Ruto’s private residence.

The younger Odinga was in Kilgoris while attending Charlene Ruto’s Koito ceremony, an event that brought together a number of prominent political and public figures.

However, Raila Junior said the video had been taken out of context, explaining that the fence was a safety barrier protecting the aircraft landing area.

“As I alighted from the aircraft, a group of wananchi who recognised me waved me over and asked to greet me,” Raila Junior said.

He explained that he responded to the residents after they called out to him, despite the barrier separating them from the landing area.

“The fence is a standard safety barrier that protects the landing area for aircraft,” he said.

Raila Junior further said he responded to the residents in the same manner he would normally respond to members of the public.

“I responded to their greeting in the normal way one does with members of the public,” he said.

The clarification comes after the video attracted attention online, with social media users sharing different interpretations of the brief interaction.

Raila Junior said he was aware of the keen interest among Kenyans in his public activities and appeared to take the online reaction lightly.

“On a lighter note, I am pleased by the rigor and keen interest with which netizens follow my journey. I shall endeavour to update you more frequently,” he said.

The incident occurred as several political leaders and public figures gathered in Kilgoris for Charlene Ruto’s Koito ceremony.