Tension in Kisii as MCA Threatens Mass Revolt Over Raila Odinga Hospital Naming

A storm is brewing in Kisii County after Kiogoro Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Walter Mochache issued a stern warning against what he termed as an unwarranted political move to name public hospitals after Azimio leader Raila Odinga.

Mochache, a vocal ally of the Kenya Kwanza administration, has vowed to mobilize residents for mass protests should the proposal be implemented.

Speaking during a public gathering in Kiogoro on Friday, the outspoken MCA accused a section of county leaders of attempting to politicize healthcare institutions for personal gain.

He argued that hospitals should reflect community service, not political allegiance, saying that naming such facilities after Raila Odinga was a direct attempt to advance a political cult rather than celebrate service delivery.

“Our hospitals belong to the people, not to politicians. If leaders want to name something after Raila, let them use their own properties, not government facilities funded by taxpayers,” Mochache declared.

The MCA further cautioned that the move could ignite unnecessary political tensions in the region, warning that Kisii residents were tired of political branding and personality worship.

He emphasized that the focus should instead be on equipping hospitals with medicine, improving infrastructure, and ensuring better service delivery to ordinary citizens.

Mochache’s sentiments come at a time when Raila Odinga’s name continues to spark mixed reactions across various counties.

While some leaders consider him a national hero deserving of recognition for his contribution to Kenya’s democratic journey, others argue that public facilities should remain politically neutral.

His remarks also highlight the growing concern among grassroots leaders over what they perceive as political appropriation of public assets.

Meanwhile, county officials have remained tight-lipped on whether any formal plan exists to rename the facilities.

However, Walter Mochache has maintained that his stance is non-negotiable, insisting that he will lead demonstrations to defend the integrity and neutrality of public institutions.

But even as the debate intensifies, the controversy reveals the enduring intersection of politics and public service in Kenya’s devolved units.