NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga during a past rally Photo/nairobiwire.com
The National Super Alliance (NASA) presidential flag bearer Raila Odinga is an exceptional crowd puller. His speeches are warmly received by haves as well are the lowly placed in society.
The educated and semi-schooled are equally moved by Odinga whenever he speaks. However, there are questions surrounding his use of football commentary and “vitendawili” in major political events.
Raila has been in Kenyan politics for too long to the extent of knowing what Kenyans want to hear and when. This political genius churns out what the crowd anticipates and this has earned him nicknames.
Some call him “Mtu wa Vitendawili” due to his insistence on using them when he wants to indirectly attack his political foes. The camel example is among his famous references that prove his experience in politics.
Football is another ingredient that Raila has made part and parcel of his speeches. He usually paints his team as the stronger one compared to opponents. He usually picks influential figures in the opposition lineup and points out how they mess their teammates. This has made him be loved by many even if the speech does not address the plight of his audience.
The two techniques Raila applies make sure that his audience relates well with the facts being discussed. The love for football in Kenya is enormous and has been around for ages. Raila capitalizes this and his decades in politics to move crowds even in arrears considered to anti-Raila.