Why Raila Odinga Was Barred From Touching The FIFA World Cup With Kibaki

• The late Raila Odinga once defied FIFA rules when the world cup came for an official visit to Nairobi
• The trophy was received in Nairobi by then president Mwai Kibaki when Raila was prime minister
• Raila watched football regularly and followed the World Cup competitions, including the 2022 one in Qatar

Raila Odinga he was buried on October 19 in Bondo town, Siaya county and ended the journey of a man who is said to be the greatest Kenyan politician ever to live.

But even long after his burial, his honors will continue to emerge as Kenyans and the rest of the world continue to remember him.

Raila had a habit of leaving funny comments and incidents that have been turned into modern memes.

From laughing while surrounded during a protest, to twisting the arm of a security guard who was trying to pull a female player off of him, his life transcended his longstanding message of equality and justice.

Why was Raila prevented from touching the World Cup trophy?

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In 2009, Raila was banned from touching the World Cup trophy. Although he found his way, and touched it for three seconds there.

The FIFA World Cup was in the country for an official visit ahead of the 2010 World Cup held in South Africa – the first on African soil.

The cup was welcomed by then president Mwai Kibaki and Raila at the Nyayo national stadium. The former president lifted the trophy while Raila also touched it.

However, a FIFA official wearing white gloves quickly removed Raila’s hand from the trophy. FIFA rules state that only presidents or heads of state and tournament winners are allowed to touch the trophy.

In Raila’s defence, the trophy came to the country when Kibaki and Raila were in a 50-50 power sharing government. The two had signed the National Accord and Reconciliation Act of 2008 following the disputed 2007 elections.

Raila, a football fan, always expressed his support for the tournament despite Kenya never playing.

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In 2022, he enjoyed the final between Argentina and France which the latter won on penalties after the match. It was the match that brought all the excitement here Kylian Mbappe scoring a hat-trick but losing the game.

“This World Cup has been exciting, from penalty shoot-outs to the highest-scoring final in history. Congratulations, Argentina and Lionel Messi, on your well-deserved victory. Bravo Kylian Mbappe for scoring the most goals in a World Cup final,” Raila said on X.

The World Cup returned to the country in 2018 and 2022 Uhuru Kenyatta he was the president.

Kipyegon respect for Raila Odinga

In a separate report, Faith Kipyegon mourned Raila Odinga in a touching tribute after his burial.

Kipyegon praised Raila as someone who always encouraged him to push the boundaries and break records.

Kipyegon set a new world record this year before winning another world title in the women’s 1500m.

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