Why Raila Was Working Out In A Sportpesa Training Kit
Prominent political figure Raila Odinga faced scrutiny after being pictured donning Sportpesa-branded clothing, leading to backlash from supporters who raised concerns about his affiliation with the gaming company.
A widely circulated video depicting the Opposition Leader participating in a workout, dressed in a dark blue training outfit featuring the Sportpesa logo, has intensified discussions.
On Thursday morning, Philip Etale, the Director of Communications for ODM, posted a video on X (formerly Twitter). The video featured Mr. Odinga, a veteran opposition politician, happily exercising on the leg press machine while wearing a sleeveless outfit.
Nonetheless, numerous individuals using X expressed concerns about the inclusion of the Sportpesa name on the kit. They argued that the former Prime Minister might be promoting the betting company and could potentially serve as its brand ambassador.
“Handlers wa baba (Those who manage Raila’s programs), why take a video of him adorning Sportpesa branded merchandise? That is an endorsement, kubwa sana (Big endorsement,” wrote Erick Omollo Juma.
“How much did @Sportpesa pay him as an influencer?” posed @DaudiPhil
Another one @Kigen_kev said “Kumbe Sportpesa ni yake—inatukula vibaya (So Sportpesa is his and the way it is making us do badly in betting)
Numerous supporters were disappointed with the 79-year-old figurehead, questioning how someone of his prominence could appear to support Sportpesa. Nevertheless, it appears that the outfit in dispute is actually Gor Mahia’s third training uniform.
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Without the critics’ awareness, Raila acts as the patron for Gor Mahia, a team that has won the Football Kenya Federation Premier League title 20 times, and Sportpesa is the sponsor of their jerseys.
The shirt prominently displays the Sportpesa logo and also features the Gor Mahia emblem on the right side, a detail that went unnoticed by many netizens.
The famed green jersey serves as the main uniform for Gor Mahia, earning the football club’s supporters the moniker of the Green Army, frequently observed in substantial crowds during the team’s matches.
Gor Mahia’s alternate jersey is white, whereas Raila’s contentious third jersey is blue.
Sportpesa strengthened its collaboration with Gor Mahia through a significant three-year agreement valued at Sh240 million, formally executed on September 23, 2022.
Some online users, on the other hand, expressed favorable remarks about the ex-Langata MP, noting that despite his age, he appeared rejuvenated and youthful.
Some urged him to participate in the 2027 General Elections, aiming to rescue Kenyans from the prevailing economic hardship.
“Baba bado Kijana (Baba is still a youth)” @Mecharic said.
“Mzee is still strong,” said @John Kudri.
Why Raila Was Working Out In A Sportpesa Training Kit
