Kenya: Democracy on trial? | Head to Head

In this episode of Head to Head, Mehdi Hasan challenges former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on the state of Kenya's "tribal" democracy, political violence, impunity and corruption, and the rise of al-Shabab.
In this episode we explore Odinga's defeat in a disputed election which triggered violence and put the country on the brink of civil war.
We challenge him on whether he did enough to stop the 2007/08 bloodshed, and ask him if there will ever be justice for the victims. We also explore his record fighting corruption while in office and the decision to send Kenyan troops into Somalia in 2011 to fight al-Shabab.
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[@MrGeno1951]

Mehdi is an excellent interviewer- relentless and quick, pretty much a master of any subject he covers.

[@saeedsomalian7902]

very exelent right

[@miltonm.muriungi203]

A lot of dirt is being dug out here and I love it. I would love to see a Kenyan journalist take on a high ranking individual like that without fear!

[@danielndiwa1736]

If you are watching this now... From Kenya..am sure part of you is disturbed... It feels bad... Painful for what has always happened during politics.. May God protect Kenyans

[@snowball4259]

Only 4 minutes into the interview and I love it....BEST INTERVIEWER ever. Asking the real questions. Shows that he's done his homework.

[@simonndegwah9122]

Am loving this healthy & tough conversation; because the moment we stop talking is the time we start fighting..

[@StaceyNyongesa]

Great Interview Aljazeera. I look forward to many more.

[@DrJoeNjenga]

I love his honesty on that Bribe question ...most Kenyans give bribes..

[@deynna45]

It's all over the world

[@abdubura]

It's not honesty. Given how bribing is common in Africa, it would be risible if he said I've never bribed.

[@anischowdhury3521]

The interview was great ; Some Questions got Hon Raila Off Guard . i also think its high time Kenya politics stop revolving around two Families .

[@muthonieunice7857]

oh yea @ dont you think u or uhuru should step aside that made mi nyt

[@malamgumel3547]

To translate the two families were Jomo Kenyata the father of the current President son of founding father n first President Kenyata n Odinga Odinga the then Opposition leader at the time of Jomo kenyata who wasthe father or Raila odinga

[@bernardkahihu5444]

We need this man to conduct the presidential debate this year. Man got no chills 😂😂

[@doriskandagor3622]

Am glad seeing this was saying the same

[@bernardkahihu5444]

@@doriskandagor3622 He ain't giving Baba any space to breathe

[@abelmuhatia1126]

Wow wow wow, Journalism at its best!!, Hope Kenyan Journalists have all watched this, Big up Mehdi

[@bamkubwanews8597]

Daaaaaaaaaaaah!hot Questions am happy now for Aljazeera interviews

[@melixwonder7051]

Waaaah! this interview was 🔥

[@esiaji]

Politicians should be held accountable for their actions. Especially our Kenyan politicians! Thank you, Mehdi for a fearless and enlightnening interview! Agnes alisema kweli. Kenyans were fighting and still are killing themselves in the names of our politicians. If anyone, surely values human life, they ought to stand back. Personally, I would have highly respected Raila more, had he held his supporters back and waited for 2012. Five years is not a long time in politics, compared to a few seconds of mayhem and loss of innocent, mislead Kenyans lives.

[@joycethiru5501]

true

[@professordeed9828]

Your reasoning is laughable! How can you win, be rigged out, and do nothing?! In any case, Protests were organic. Raila's voters could not take it lying down!

[@geraldnjihia3129]

credit Al Jazeera for their facts before asking..tough questions, tough interviewer =true Journalism

[@Dennis_Okelo]

No Kenyan journalist can be as bold as Mehdi this was legendary

[@moediberrylibaan.386]

Its the right time for kenya to get rid of uhuru and raila and choose new faces that can lead lovely kenya forward.

[@lenniefei6710]

+Moedi wa central Ahmed It's Kenya's right to elect whomever they like,leave out your propagandist calls.Many candidates vies for election every other five years therefore,your insinuations are not objective at any rate.

[@mwanamutemi]

+Moedi wa central Ahmed hustler Ruto is on the way coming. Mehdi Hassan failed to ask Raila of his old age, retirement plan & possible successor of his Luo community

[@moediberrylibaan.386]

+Kaaput Kubwa may be the right time for ruto!!

[@estherodanga4238]

Any new faces coming in will be backed by outgoing Godfathers.

[@abdiazizadan76]

Can't believe am watching this now, 4 year down the line, Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga criticized the current government. But now, he has entangled Kenyans by forming an alliance with same government he once criticized. Where do you stand Mr. Odinga?

[@pettersonnjogu5994]

wololo hard questions there! Good interview

[@macrfina]

Good interview --We need a repeat for the 2017 Kenya presidential candidates specifically done by Mehdi Hassan...

[@zack_trucker]

Kudos Mehdi,this is journalism on another level 👏 👍 👌 🙌

[@loisemwai8237]

the only thing nimeskia ni "I didn't say, I was misquoted, I didn't "

[@machariaedwin3379]

hehehe ni kuwa cornered vizuri

[@irenemuthoni4480]

sad from a top leader ..sad

[@arnoldmugo3874]

Loise Mwai I don't think😂

[@birdmansandusky9815]

Arnold mugo unafanya nini hapa wewe

[@essentialwebdesign7511]

All his questions are so on point. Mr Hasan presents a very detailed assessment of what the situation in Kenya is like. Raila doesn't know how to answer most of them.

[@frankbwobara1249]

Wonderful! wonderful! Interview, facts, fluency and research

[@letrat7021]

i like how he answers questions he hasn't been asked...

[@marthaneno4024]

amazing show

[@jelagatminingwo_]

Interesting interview. Wish Kenyan journalists were bold and forthright like Mehdi Hasan. We gat a long way to go.

[@nixonotieno6208]

Mehdi holds you to your words and actions. Beautiful

[@ibrahimzubeir6148]

The main problem of Kenyans is corruption&tribalism.If they want to see a united kenyans, they should put all their clan difference a side and vote for the right leaders.Its seems that you can only become a president or a prime minister in kenya is if your father was one in their era.

[@TheZipper500]

I enjoyed watching this Debate.....Kudos Raila trying to answer ...somewhat tricky Questions

[@abdallahbakhashwen3736]

Kenyans will be so happy if you invite the Dp president William ruto here

[@tmj7182]

If only Kenyan journalists had the balls to actually be journalists!

[@jeffwriter9058]

great journalist right there though.clear and precise

[@SoloNdunguMbugua]

Watching the whole interview gives rare picture of Baba and I think he performed very well. He is not intolerable to hard questions. Actually in KE media we rarely see this side of Baba.

[@mercygeorge8324]

Yes it is time Kenyans to move beyond the two political dynasties : the Kenyattas and Odingas

[@AMAli-ct5df]

The rise and fall of dynasties is the documentary i want to see in Al Jazeera.

[@felixonyango5409]

As a Kenyan,I really really wish our journalists (and citizens) would go after the politicians like this. Ask the hard questions and push for an answer from the interviewee e.g in The next "Presidential Debate". To me, the problem isn't even the politicians. It's us, the citizens. We keep voting them in despite all the stealing and lying they do just because he/she is from the same tribe as me. I think we need an amendment in the constitution which will bar people from seeking elective office in an area where the majority of the population is from the same tribe as themselves... It could create some fun scenarios

[@fredjandi7777]

Thanks Mr raila.. Trial from the technical questions

[@bethanycleaning1606]

This is only a debate, not a trial.... Keep it cool and let everyone speak!

[@7ngaf]

i was hoping for more.....raila ...i lack words

[@antonymuhuma6197]

An Enigma of Kenyan Politics .......wise and chooses his answers well . like or hate him , Raila Odinga is the Best .

[@CHEVCHEV-yk8rv]

He is a master politician

[@davidwaihiga1162]

Master of what???

[@Mimi-nr6jx]

I don't think we watched the same video. This man was answering questions he wasn't asked, stuttering all over the place

[@antonymuhuma6197]

Aiii what do you mean if that sounds like merely hating !

[@kimathimithika5029]

Both Insightful and Profound....lays bare Raila's record

[@professordeed9828]

PEV resulted from kibaki's rigging stunts! And the reasons behinds Raila's support for kibaki is neither here nor there. The question is did he do it? And the next question is, has the kikuyu community supported him even once? so who is hateful? who is tribal? RAILA IS MY HERO. HE IS THE BEST SUITED MAN TO BECOME PRESIDENT. uhuru HAS FAILED MISERABLY! It is about time he went back to gatundu coz we are tired!

[@Christine3470]

Minute 32.19 when Raila claimed he was 1st cousins with obama then was grilled 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@davisoonchonga]

Mehdi please bring Raila back now 2020 and ask him this same questions please

[@bahjamohamud5675]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@engail3168]

Raila is not as clean but methinks he is not as evil as the incumbent! mehdi was so quick and objective.. certainly an example to our local journalists

[@tuforu4]

+Mohamed Farah ,,thats what i was thinking, they get off lightlky in kenya,,

[@tuforu4]

KENYA is decending to evil

[@dustym-o-h8349]

tuforu4 God curse u

[@daisynjeru3114]

nice show

[@munaminaji2672]

good debate kudos odinga

[@AnonymouslyTweetin]

It's sad really. Who let Raila on the stage that unprepared? His entire team should be summarily dismissed for letting Baba be so thoroughly humiliated. Salala!

[@mickendech]

The day this guy goes away and disappears from the Kenyan political scene is the day the country will heal. The power hunger is strong with this one

[@musa2843]

+Mike Ithuggie That is you saying. Yo do not need to support him or love him (if you love to hate) .Remember he had 5 Million votes in the last poll

[@mickendech]

+M. Musa the guy has been involved in some of the darkest events in this country. the '82 coup and the '07 PEV. Lord know what 2017 holds for us. This is no coincidence

[@mickendech]

+mboyakill33 Did you just put this power hungry thug in the same sentence as Mandela? I'm done here

[@Vivid_Talisman]

How about we bring uhuru to this interview in 2022…..to answer on economic questions.

[@ahmedbakaal9328]

31:20' Mehdi said, " Many Somalis would say they have paid the price even more.." This is perhaps one of the best interviews ever. Mehdi is well articulated journalist 💯

[@goodtimeswithqushy2291]

Bro you am seeing this today and hehe muite ruto sasa!!

[@philipochiengkaphilie]

"We dont say He who has no interest in politics minds his business, we say He has no business at all" -Pericles

[@sillydilly3126]

guys stop attacking the journalist this is A DEBATE!!!!! for God's SAKE..

[@dustym-o-h8349]

antony wambua that doesnt make him a fool, arguing for.what u donno, n wherr uve never beem

[@alumanjr.4747]

Truth be told kenyan history when being written lets agree on one thing it can't be completed without mentioning Hon. Raila for the fight for democracy and many better change that he and some like minded helped bring, he is a great leader like it or deny it. Must add here whether you are voted president in 2017 or not you remain a great leader.

[@davidmithia9335]

this the kind of journalism we need in Kenya,but we need to free them financially to stand against the government

[@eemedavid3034]

The is much informative interview , to those who expect undefined change from "baba" take your time and ponder , the interviewee appears inadequate before the panel ,am sorry

[@roscoejr6809]

excuse moja since 2007 he was prime minster for 5 years and did nothing

[@hkn125]

Please invite Uhuru and Ruto for a similar interview

[@GBONGBO]

Uhuru kenyatta would be GOLD

[@abdifatah3820]

Surly yes

[@MrChairmundu]

in relation to KDF going into Somalia, the whole mission was impressive and successful in its totality. The issue of terror attacks is purely on INTELLIGENCE failure. If NSIS could address that failure and act upon it decisively we can overcome that. Syria is not neighboring France yet Paris has experienced her fair share of deadly attacks. KDF has achieved what America and EU can only dream of. period! and who is that fool saying something about what we can call SOUTHERN KENYA ??

[@ianaruasa3325]

Man said “I’m proud I’m not as good in rigging”😭😭😭

[@thekenyanrealtor]

I want to be like Mehdi hassan when i grow up.

[@raptureceballos5917]

Cynthia Wambui deluded why not be betty kyalo😂😂😂

[@thedeepend1348]

Watching him run for the fifth time now😂

[@BelindaOkech]

Wooooowww!!!!that lady with the stepping down from running up for presidency and becoming an adviser.that would be my advice too to him than kukazania hiyo hiki.peoplevwould respect him more.he would do more for kenyans as an adviser.i hope he took the question as an advise.

[@elsiebirech7328]

weeeeeeh......Mehdi Hasan is the real deal. I wonder if there is any kenyan journalist who can conduct such a tough interview

[@stevenjr6148]

that one individual is HUSSEIN MOHAMED

[@francismuchoki8785]

This doesn't look or sound like democracy on trial, it's more of an old tired politician who appeared on to a talk show ill-prepared completely unable to answer single question correctly. a sad day for democracy indeed.

[@tuforu4]

+Francis Muchoki yeh he seems helpless for the big world,,,

[@abdallahbineifan9781]

Kenya needs a president like the president of Tanzania His excellency Mheshimiwa Ndugu John Magufuli.

[@clatowett]

Watching an addict try to convince their parents that they don't need rehab.

[@bartaikibii1022]

Haha comment of the year 😂

[@lifestyle7464]

I incontrovertible inference that most Kenyan politicians have nought interest in being in office to serve the Wanaichi, the are in office to siphon public funds. The publication of an official audit found just one percent of Kenya government spending and a quarter of the entire $16 billion (15 billion euro) budget was properly accounted for. "This is the most rapacious administration that we have ever had," said Mr Githongo. "Corruption in Kenya has deepened and widened," since President Uhuru Kenyatta came to power in 2013, he claimed. Apart from the Auditor-General's report, a series of scandals have emerged in the media concerning government procurement and land grabbing, perhaps the oldest trick in Kenya's corruption playbook. The country is slipping down Transparency International's annual corruption index and is now 145th out of 174 nations, down from 136 in 2013. With media and civil society also under pressure the 50-year-old corruption fighter warned of "the speed with which democratic space is shrinking". Politics is the best business in Kenya, religion being the second. The prove.... top 100 richest Kenyans are politicians. There are Kenyan US dollar billionaires in a country that same citizen earn less than a dollar a day. Politics is the best business in Kenya, religion being the second best business. The majority of the top 100 riches kenyans have been politicians, hence the number of Kenyan US dollar billionaire. Same citizen earn less than a dollar a day. . How can refugees in Turkana live way better then a Turkana Kenyan citizen? I don't envisage any change in the old guard politicians. Uhuru or Raila . There is no difference, just a bunch of politicians with self interest first. NO politician HAS EVER been behind bars. That is gargantuan statement, hence the reason everyone wants to be in this business where one can operates with impunity. Meanwhile a hoi polloi would receive mob justice for purloining a loaf of bread.

[@KibetBrian]

Good Debate. The Boldness of Journalist here is what we want ours to Learn from....

[@iamkevinkevoh]

hahaha when you always harass local journalists and then you finally meet "The man"

[@LisaMKieti]

Refreshing! Very refreshing!

[@theprofessional5932]

Raila wasnt strong in this one, He should have put mehdi in his place. Mehdi was passively attacking him. No wonder uhuru is the president. Uhuru would never allow some little journalist to push him around.

[@AMAli-ct5df]

@@theprofessional5932 Little Journalist huh Asking questions that no one wants to ask and catching politicians in their on lie.

[@theprofessional5932]

@@AMAli-ct5df Any fool "out of Kenya" can ask this kind of questions. Let him come here to Kenya and ask this if he is a man enough. Little coward hiding behind the media.

[@wittybarber6111]

@@theprofessional5932 so u could bully him ? So much for press freedom in Kenya 😂

[@angeleyes9565]

Open your eyes!!! Politics is a game and you (the people of Kenya) are nothing but pawns. Look around!! Poverty, crime, tribalism, corruption are all on the rise. Is the current government doing anything for you??? All I see is a series of perfectly executed public relations stunts. We must choose leaders who will serve the people.

[@angeleyes9565]

Stephanie Kirathe Alfred Mutua has made a difference for sure. Those roads are amazing. I don't know why people who have never been to ukambani criticize the roads so much. Then there is the park, ambulances, police cars . . . At least someone is doing his job.

[@kekepanie69]

Even the hospitals. My mum was told the best place for kidney dialysis treatment is in Machakos town. Not even that the housing constructions in ukambani is grown at a very fast rate... But still old leaders even Kamba leaders are always finding was to get rid of him.

[@angeleyes9565]

Stephanie Kirathe Really!!! I didn't know that. Sorry about your mom though. Old leaders like Alfred's deputy are what's wrong with this country.

[@kekepanie69]

Well shes ok. Exactly, old leaders should retire, but will young leaders and people protest to throw out the elders..."NO"...Because of tribalism and ancient traditions.

[@ARi-gp3cm]

true

[@andrewmbuvi5804]

My Hero

[@lenniefei6710]

Very well articulate Former Prime Minister,balanced in his submission,honesty in his feedbacks and consistent in his words.Cheer up and we wish you all the best in your future endevour to make Kenya a great nation again after this current horrible incorrigibly corrupt Jubilies regime.

[@kingstonekarugu]

It's like we watched different clips. He did well? At least he didn't crumble under pressure. But he seemed harassed and the audience didn't make it better, laughing at odd answers. Who accepts he gave bribes, before the world, then promises to jail corrupt officials? How do you join Museveni in his campaign trail then claim he didn't campaign for him? I think he was a bit overwhelmed. You just don't say that.

[@lenniefei6710]

***** Did Raila himself chanted that "slogan??"" He was partiotic enogh to accede to coalition as Kibaki stole the election openly and sworn in at night! Uhuru himself made history to break opposition politics by joining Kibaki govt remember??! You think every Kenyan has a brief memory like yourself?? Raila took in alot for this country but due to the homeguard's propaganda you are blinded to see everything the guy went through for YOU!

[@kingstonekarugu]

+Deleted Mail why did Moi detain Raila for years? Because of the failed 1982 coup. The "father of democracy" using unconstitutional means to get power. It's been going on for a while.

[@lenniefei6710]

Samuel Muchemi Did Mau Mau use constitutional means to remove colonialists??!!! By all means necessary the people of Kenya will agitate for their freedom and democracy,no matter what!

[@lenniefei6710]

***** What walks and quacks like a duck...???

[@clatowett]

What he should have said in 46:29. 'Isn't it time for you and Uhuru to be in power together? Either you as the president and him as deputy or him as president and you as deputy for the sake of fighting negative ethnicity?'

[@musa2843]

+Clara Towett I do not know what the panelist expected. Uhuru and Raila should not just be out because their fathers had been in leadership(s). They are their own 'persons'

[@clatowett]

True. But don't you think both individuals teaming up will end negative ethnicity by 99%? So that we can focus on important things already?

[@carloswilly8132]

Raila is tensed haha that journalist is awsome

[@kariuki6644]

i think he went into that interview thinking he would be given a stage to rant about his usual hogwash

[@tmr_gamist5988]

No greeting...straight into the questions🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ericmuigai2616]

"It's always out of context""

[@aloigeneious8531]

You are highly knowledgeable and for the last 3 decades your actions and path have demonstrated a true democrat.... let the hates say what they may...........

[@Makati172]

I honestly think Raila did very well. He is honest in many ways but with some politics of course. Will definitely vote for his coalition.

[@mediadon6545]

+Samwel Otieno Since he did well, which point did he state that strengthened your conviction of selecting him as the president.

[@jayjones189]

nice

[@sigarjamesagumba5430]

Kenya needs to embrace democracy in full

[@kekepanie69]

in Kenya you get a medal for being corrupt. Odinga is a old school leader that always talks of change...Where is the change sir?

[@marriamabdi6349]

LOL. As soon as you land in NBO... money, money, money.

[@mohamedfarah4866]

Woow what an Interview, I recommend all African journalist to ask hard core questions to their guests even their leaders. But honestly, Mehdi Hassan should have given time Mr Raila to answer questions. Other than that, Raila was exposed & he wasn't prepared at all but Mahdi did his homework well !

[@alexwaweru6453]

True

[@vejcrimes9496]

Raila says going to elections with the current IEBC will be like walking to the gallows. Agreeing to this interview was his worst mistake. I can already see tv ads made with excerpts from this interview. Pole sana bwana Tinga.

[@jamesmwaniki7371]

Those opposed to BBI should listen to this interview.

[@seniorabuu9571]

For real wacha baba aitwe baba only real men can face hard questions

[@MrRaehim]

This guy Mehdi is a savage, Raila was visibly shaken by the questions.. I think Hussein Mohamed of Citizen echos this guy Mehdi..

[@abdullahiibrahim9408]

Mehdi is the true definition of a journalist

[@gatumbo]

You can't - in the same breath claim - to have zero responsibility or regret for the PEV and claim to have concern on a repeat of the same. It's like taking no responsibility for knocking someone up, use no protection the next time but still worry you might knock them up again? errr??? It's always out of context, it's everyone's fault but yours...sigh!

[@mushken65]

Raila you are a genuine leader that I would love to see you govern Kenya. You love your country and you want it to succeed.

[@carpediem1569]

Tell me one thing he did as Kibra MP for 28 years that convinced you that.

[@Kafuggi]

Note to self.. Avoid being interviewed by Mehdi... *Volenti non fit injuria*

[@charlesgkirigo3087]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@majaliwaabdalla5844]

BABA IS BABA HE HAS DONE WELL IN ALL QUESTIONS

[@abdisciente9467]

Raila u so intelligent man

[@shakemakerX]

And he wants to be president of what?

[@ahmedmohamed-ge2nq]

Raila is geting questions right most of them

[@jerrycloud1643]

It is 2023 and Raila is still beating the drums of violence

[@ahmeddeeq7377]

Interesting interview, it is understandable, funny, and informative, well done Raila, Mehdi, and the audience, and Kenyans should vote new leaders with new fresh faces, like USA people voted for Obama. Kenyans need to bring positive change.

[@jmandelax]

We can not overcome tribalism with the incumbent. Kenya needs better leadership.

[@jmandelax]

+Deleted Mail It will change once tribal cultures and traditions subside to mainstream idealism.

[@jmandelax]

+Deleted Mail He is part of the political class that has plagued the country since it's inception. We need new leadership at all fronts.

[@ManderaBlogger]

@Mehdi I love you for the Truth