Kenyans have taken to social media to call for action against rowdy youths who attacked with stones a chopper carrying former Prime Minister and ODM Raila Odinga and his entourage.
Some of them say the attack was very crude and could have been an attempt by his opponents to assassinate him, considering the sensitivity of a flying chopper against moving objects.
Witnesses, including Raila’s ally Suna MP Junet Mohamed, say stones were hurled towards Raila Odinga’s direction but police were very swift to rescue his life.
The attack destroyed the chopper’s air shield in the Friday evening incident that occurred right after the funeral of Mzee Jackson Kibor at Samitui farm in Uasin Gishu County.
“My mistake was to attend the burial of my long time friend Mr Jackson Kibor. I thank the security officers who did everything to ensure our safety,” Raila said in an official statement.
“Despite the violence meted out on me and my team today, I remain optimistic that Kenya will hold a peaceful, free and fair election in August,” he added.
Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Ayub Gitonga, while confirming the incident, said investigations are underway.
“We can allow people to sell their parties but we cannot tolerate political tolerance whatsoever,” he said.
Leaders including Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, DP William Ruto and Uasin Gishu Governor Jackon Mandago took to their social media accounts to condemn the incident.
The incident occurred hours after Odinga was booed by a section of youths in Elgeyo-Marakwet, forcing him to end his rally prematurely.
The DCI believes the attack was organized by DP Willaim Ruto’s camp to harm the former prime minister who is in the race to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta in the August 9 polls.
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