ELDORET, Kenya, Apr 2- Ugly scenes were on Friday witnessed in Uasin Gishu County, when rowdy youths stoned former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s motorcade and his helicopter.
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.
In a statement, the National Police Service said Odinga, who is seeking to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta under the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Alliance, had attended the burial of the late Mzee Jackson Kibor in Eldoret.
Earlier, Odinga had held a series of rallies in Elgeyo Marakwet, where he marketed his presidential bid, while in the company of a host of leaders, among them legislator Junet Mohammed.
Odinga said the attack was a reminder of the 1992 elections and 2007-2008 post election violence, that left thousands dead and hundreds of thousands displaced.
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.”
Inspector General Hillary Mutyambai has since directed Rift Valley Regional Police Commander to swing to action, and nab those who were involved.
“The Inspector-General of Police has issued firm instructions to the Rift Valley Regional Police Commander to urgently take decisive action against the perpetrators of today’s violence, including all those who will be implicated for planning and organizing the violence,” the police said.
The incident attracted widespread condemnation by political leaders among them Deputy President William Ruto and NARC Kenya party leader Martha Karua.
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.”
The Deputy President has been a victim of such incidents during campaigns.
Karua said the scenes witnessed in Soy constituency were “criminal and disgraceful.”
In a Tweet, MP Junet Mohammed said “we almost got killed.”
“Our chopper was completely destroyed and we had to look for alternative means mid-air,” he said.
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