How smuggling Raila as an old lady failed
Mukhisa Kituyi, the voice of the United Opposition, recounted a harrowing attempt to sneak Raila Odinga out of Kenya during those politically charged times when the government posed a real threat to his safety.
In an interview with a local TV station on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Kituyi opened up about the intense measures they took to ensure the late Raila Odinga’s protection, sharing a deeply personal and compelling narrative.
Kituyi shared an intriguing story about how they disguised Raila as an elderly woman to help him sneak out of the country and find refuge at the American Embassy.
“Raila Odinga alipokuwa akipigania siasa ya vyama vingi, alikuja mafichoni kwangu baada ya fununu kuwa serikali ilikuwa inapanga kumdhuru,” Kituyi said.
However, Kituyi shared that their well-thought-out plan fell apart in no time when they were turned away at the American Embassy.
“We disguised Raila as an old woman to smuggle him to the American Embassy, but when we got there, we were refused entry, and our cover was blown,” he said.
Despite the secretive nature of their mission, the attempt ultimately fell short, yet it represented a pivotal moment in Kenya’s journey toward multiparty democracy.
Kituyi’s insights from that time highlight the dangers and personal sacrifices that political leaders endured in their fight for the freedoms that Kenyans cherish today.
He reminisced about how the government’s persecution of Raila during those years forced many opposition leaders into hiding or exile.
Kituyi also shared his thoughts on how Raila’s passing has influenced the current political scene.
“Kifo cha Raila Odinga kimemvuruga Ruto sana, kwa sababu hakuna kiongozi yeyote ODM anaweza lainisha viongozi ODM,” he said, noting that the absence of Raila has left a significant leadership void within ODM, making it difficult for anyone to unite the party.
Kituyi’s heartfelt memories remind us of the tumultuous times in Kenya’s political landscape and how the absence of Raila Odinga has transformed the country’s political scene. The interview not only shed light on the past but also illustrated the hurdles Kenya is currently facing in this new chapter without Raila.
How smuggling Raila as an old lady failed
