NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 2- Deputy President William Ruto has apologised to Azimio La Umoja presidential candidate Raila Odinga, after he came under attack on Friday, in Uasin Gishu County.
The Deputy President, who hails from the County, termed the incident unfortunate, saying all those are behind it must be held accountable.
“I take this opportunity to apologise to Raila Odinga, for what happened to him yesterday. It was really unfortunate and I hope those who engaged in this incident regret what they did,” the Deputy President said during a press conference on Saturday.
He said UDA will work closely with police, to ensure the suspects are brought to book.
“We will demonstrate our commitment to an election that is peaceful by making sure we take the necessary steps to ensure all our members, all our candidates, and our entire party, engages in this election on the basis of ideas,” he asserted.
As police hunt down the suspects, the Deputy President said any aspirant from his United Democratic Alliance party who will be found culpable, will not participate in the forthcoming primaries.
The incident happened in Soy constituency, where Odinga’s chopper and vehicles were stoned. It was just after the burial of Mzee Jackson Kibor, when the incident happened.
The police headquarters said the incident was committed by a rowdy group of young men. The police the violence had been planned.
Police have since arrested 14 suspects over the incident, which has received widespread condemnation.
“Any UDA aspirant was involved they will be disqualified from contesting,” DP Ruto’s office said.
Shortly after the incident, the Deputy President had issued a statement, saying political violence was a threat to democracy.
Following the incident, police said, “peace was breached, lives put in harm’s way and the said helicopter and vehicles in the entourage damaged.”
“Quick action by police officers on duty at the scene averted what would have been a spree of destruction and attacks, resulting in serious injuries, including threats to lives.”
Further, police headquarters said, “the National Police Service condemns the ugly criminal incident and appeals for tolerance and respect for competitors in this season of politics as we approach elections. Acts of violence targeting opponents shall not be tolerated.”
Odinga said the Friday incident when his chopper and vehicles were stoned is a dark reminder of Kenya’s darkest moments of 1992 clashes and the 2007-2008 post-election violence.
During the 2007-2008 violence, more than 1,000 lives were lost, while 600,000 Kenyans were internally displaced. It was after a disputed presidential outcome.
Odinga said Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago and Soy Member of Parliament Caleb Kositany were responsible.
“I call on the two, and all leaders from the region who believe in our constitution, to come out now, not later, to condemn the incident and promise an end to the bizarre attempts to balkanize the country into ethnic and tribal party zones ahead of August elections,” the Orange Democratic Movement leader said in a statement.
He added, “despite the violence meted on me and my team today, I remain optimistic that Kenya will hold a peaceful, free, and fair election in August.”
Soy MP said the incident was “unfotunate”, adding that it had not been planned.
Governor Mandago also condemened the incident, saying “we will pursue the matter until the perpetrators are all brought to book.”
“We have heavily invested in peace building as a region, we will not allow a few elements to take us back. I urge the security apparatus in the region to act with speed and get into the bottom of the matter,” the Governor said in a Tweet.
“They should also be on the lookout during this charged political period.”
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