Raila Odinga Junior has moved to clarify the circumstances behind a video showing him addressing residents from behind a fence in Kilgoris, after it sparked mixed reactions online.
The video was recorded on Saturday, August 8, when Raila Junior visited Kilgoris for President William Ruto’s daughter Charlene Ruto’s traditional engagement and dowry ceremony with her Tanzanian fiancé, Isaya Yunge.
In the footage, Raila Junior speaks to residents gathered on the other side of a wire-mesh fence. He thanks them for the warm reception and says he understands their affection for him as an extension of the love they had for his late father, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
He also urged the residents to maintain peace and unity, telling them they act like brothers.
Raila Junior further promised to organise an official visit to the area, during which he would meet residents and discuss issues affecting ordinary Kenyans.
“ODM ni kutatua shida ya watu wa chini. Na mimi nitarudi nikae na nyinyi, asanteni sana,” he said.
As he left, some residents urged Raila Odinga Junior to return to the area with his sister, Winnie Odinga.
Watch Viral Fence Video Here
Raila Jnr addressing Kilgoris residents.
Kumbe hustlers hawakukua allowed kwa sherehe.
Cheki fence. pic.twitter.com/IZGsMANHjl
— Joel Jiranï (@Kemboi67) August 9, 2026
The video, however, triggered varied reactions online. Some users interpreted the fence in the footage as proof that residents had been kept away from the private wedding ceremony known as a Koito or Koito ak Chaik.
The sight of an elite political figure speaking to ordinary citizens through a security barrier sparked immediate controversy. Critics and commentators pointed to the clip as evidence that local neighbours had been locked out of the venue while VIP guests, reportedly arriving by helicopter, took part in the celebrations inside.
In a statement issued on Tuesday after the online debate, Raila Junior said the video had been taken out of context.
“Not the President’s Private Home”
Raila Junior clarified that the interaction did not take place at President Ruto’s private residence but at the public airstrip in Kilgoris.
“For clarity: this was not at the president’s private home. It took place at the public airstrip in Kilgoris,” he said.
Raila Odinga Junior explained that he had just stepped off an aircraft when residents who recognized him waved 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 said.
He added that the fence shown in the video served as a standard safety barrier separating the public from the aircraft landing area.
Raila Junior said he responded to the residents in the usual way he would engage members of the public.
“I responded to their greeting in the normal way one does with members of the public,” he said.
He also thanked Kenyans for closely following his public activities, saying he would make more frequent efforts to communicate with them.
“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.
