Raila Makes Another Verbal Blunder, Audience Claps

 

Raila Makes Another Verbal Blunder, Audience Claps

ODM leader Raila Odinga has once again stirred debate after making a questionable statement during a Cabinet retreat held in Karen, Nairobi, on June 20, 2025.

In a widely circulated video clip, Raila lamented the cancellation of the Adani Group–JKIA deal—a comment that was met with applause from some in the audience. He went on to compare Kenya Airways with Ethiopian Airlines and Emirates, making a surprising claim about the latter.

“Look at Emirates. People in Emirates there do not look at that airline for making profits. It’s basically a vehicle bringing investors, tourists, shoppers to the Emirates,” Raila said to more clapping. He followed up with: “You can make losses so long as you’re bringing people to our country.”

Despite the cheers, Raila’s remarks were misleading. Industry experts note that Emirates is one of the most profit-driven airlines in the world. The carrier uses a hub-and-spoke model centered in Dubai and has built a highly efficient, commercially successful global network. Far from being a loss-making tourism facilitator, Emirates reported a pre-tax profit of $6.2 billion in the 2024–25 financial year on revenues of $39.6 billion.

While Raila’s call for improvement at Kenya Airways aligns with public concern over the airline’s past performance, his suggestion that losses are acceptable if they bring in tourists drew criticism for oversimplifying aviation economics.

Kenya Airways did recently post a rare pre-tax profit of $42.82 million in 2024, a positive turnaround from over a decade of losses. But analysts argue that comparing it to Emirates ignores the massive operational and financial differences between the two carriers.

Still, despite the factual inconsistencies, Raila’s statements were received with applause—highlighting how charisma and political capital can sometimes overshadow accuracy.