NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 2- Azimio la Umoja presidential candidate Raila Odinga says 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 had attended the burial of the late Mzee Jackson Kibor in Uasin Gishu County, when his chopper and vehicles came under attack.
He said the rocks, “were clearly aimed at me.”
While police are yet to arrest any suspect, 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.”
Deputy President William Ruto, who is also seeking to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta, is also a victim of similar incidents.
On November 10, 2021, Ruto’s tour of Kisumu was interrupted after rowdy youths booed and stoned his motorcade in Kondele area.
The fracas broke out at the Kondele roundabout as Ruto’s convoy approached.
Police headquarters said the incident was over “logistical funds amongst local groups.”
After Friday’s incident, Odinga said, “someone seems to be assembling a ragtag band of extremists youths, radicalized by lies and handouts to zone the country before pushing us into mayhem.”
Police headquarters said the group was “organized” but did not diverge many details on who was involved and whether there were intelligence reports on the same.
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.”
The Deputy President condemned the violence, saying every leader has a right to campaign in every part of the country.
DP Ruto said, “political violence is retrogressive, divisive, and tears down our democracy. We condemn and reject it without reservation.”
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.”
Want to send us a story? Contact Shahidi News Tel: +254115512797 (Mobile & WhatsApp)
