Kituyi reveals how attempt to smuggle Raila as an old woman into US Embassy flopped
Mukhisa Kituyi, the spokesperson for the United Opposition, has narrated a dramatic attempt to secretly smuggle Raila Odinga out of Kenya during the politically turbulent days when the government wanted to harm him.
Speaking to a local TV station on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Kituyi shared a personal and gripping story of the lengths they went to in order to protect the late Raila Odinga.
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Kituyi described how they disguised Raila as an old woman in a bid to sneak him out of the country and seek 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.
He revealed that, in the midst of political tension, they took the drastic measure of camouflaging Raila to avoid detection by government forces.
A failed escape plan
However, Kituyi recounted that their carefully orchestrated plan quickly unravelled when they were denied entry 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 secrecy of their mission, the attempt ultimately failed, but it marked a significant moment in Kenya’s struggle for multiparty democracy.
Kituyi’s account of that period underscores the risks and personal sacrifices political leaders made to fight for the freedoms Kenyans enjoy today.
He reflected on how the government’s persecution of Raila during those years forced many opposition leaders into hiding and exile.
The aftermath of Raila’s death
Kituyi also reflected on how Raila’s death has affected the current political landscape.
“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 emotional recollections serve as a reminder of the turbulent years in Kenya’s political history and how the loss of Raila Odinga has reshaped the nation’s political dynamics.
The interview not only offered insights into the past but also painted a picture of the challenges Kenya now faces in the post-Raila era.
