Raila Odinga was laid to rest on October 19 in Siaya bringing to an end the chapter of a man who has been described as the greatest Kenyan to ever live. Raila Odinga was prevented from touching the World Cup trophy in 2009. Photo credit: But even long after his burial, his tributes will continue to come in as Kenyans and the rest of the world continue to reminisce him. Raila had a penchant for dropping funny comments and incidents which have been turned into modern day memes. From laughing while under siege during a protest, to swatting the arm of a bodyguard who was trying to get a female dancer away from him, his life transcended his long-term message of equality and justice.
Why Raila was prevented from touching World Cup trophy In 2009, Raila was prevented from touching the World Cup trophy. Though he got his way, and touched it for three seconds thereabout. The FIFA World Cup trophy was in the country for an official tour ahead of the 2010 World Cup that was held in South Africa – the first one on African soil. The trophy was welcomed by then president Mwai Kibaki and Raila at the Nyayo National Stadium. The former president hoisted the trophy with Raila touching it as well. However, a FIFA official wearing a white glove quickly removed Raila’s hand from the trophy. FIFA rules dictate that only presidents or heads of state plus tournament winners are the ones allowed to touch the trophy. Mwai KIbaki lifts the FIFA World Cup trophy in 2009. In Raila’s defence, the trophy came to the country at a time when Kibaki and Raila were in the 50-50 power-sharing government.
The duo had signed the National Accord and Reconciliation Act 2008 following the disputed 2007 elections. Raila, a football fan, always showed his support for the competition despite Kenya never having played in it. In 2022, he enjoyed the final between Argentina and France which the latter won on post-match penalties. It was a match that delivered all the thrills with Kylian Mbappe scoring a hat-trick but losing the game. “This World Cup has been epic, from nail-biting penalty shootouts to the highest scoring final in history. Congratulations, Argentina and Lionel Messi, on your well-deserved victory. Bravo Kylian Mbappe on scoring the highest number of goals in a World Cup final,” said Raila on X. The World Cup trophy returned to the country in 2018 and in 2022 when Uhuru Kenyatta was the president.
By Martin Moses
