When Raila defied FIFA rules and touched the World Cup trophy

The global tour of the FIFA World Cup trophy reached Kenya on Monday for a two-day tour that will give soccer fans a chance to view and have their photos taken with it.

As thousands plan to have a photo next to the highly guarded 18-carat gold-plated trophy, many would love a chance to hold the trophy that is a preserve of a few.

Raila Odinga was all of us back in 2009 when the trophy landed in Kenya and had the opportunity to be next to it so it was only right that he had to try and touch it.

According to FIFA rules, only heads of states and World Cup winners are allowed to touch or hold the trophy whereas the general public is only allowed to take pictures with and stand beside it without laying a finger.

This rule was, however, put to the test when, in front of hundreds of wandering eyes and cameras at the Nyayo National Stadium, President Kibaki held the trophy high up in the air to much applause.

But, as he brought it down, Mr. Odinga could not hold back his excitement as he also touched the trophy and held it for approximately three seconds.

A FIFA official in gloved hands, however, rained on the parade as he yanked Odinga’s hand and shoved it away from the trophy.

The Prime Minister did say he did not touch it but there is video it wasn’t that serious an issue anyway. He was in a 50-50 political marriage after all.

The action by the official sent sections of the country’s political divide talking as Odinga’s supporters felt he should have been allowed to touch the trophy as well since he was supposedly Kibaki’s equal.

As the trophy makes it’s third appearance in the country today, perhaps the question on opposition supporters lips is; Will Baba, in his capacity as People’s President be allowed to touch it?