Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Monday, October 5, broke his silence after violent protests marred Deputy President William Ruto’s visit to Kenol, Murang’a.
Odinga sent a message of condolence to those who lost their lives in the clashes and asked for speedy investigations into the matter.
“I have been deeply disturbed by the violence witnessed in Kenol, Muranga, yesterday where young people ferried in buses from other parts of the region engaged in running battles with locals, leading to loss of two lives and several injuries.
“I pass sincere condolences to the families that lost loved ones and wish quick recovery to those who sustained injuries in that senseless and unnecessary violence,” said Raila.
The ODM Party Leader appealed to the Government to move with speed, and bring to book the perpetrators of the violence so as to pass an unmistakable message that Kenyans.
Raila also warned against premature campaigns with the election still two years away and added that the violence could spiral out of control if not dealt with.
Speaking during a church service at the United Ministries Church, on Sunday, Raila highlighted how ‘handshake’ between him and President Uhuru Kenyatta calmed tension in the country.
“People are forgetting the dark days, we had ‘resist’, we went to Uhuru park to be ‘sworn in’ and even wanted to split the nation.
“I, however, accepted dialogue with Uhuru and decided to unite Kenya through a Memorandum of Understanding that focused on nine issues affecting the country including post-election violence,” stated Raila.
Raila spoke after two rival groups clashed ahead of Deputy President William Ruto’s visit to Kenol, Murang’a, where two lives were lost during the violent protests.
Leaders from Tanga Tanga and Kieleweke have been pointing fingers at each other over the protests with Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai ordering the arrest of Kandara MP Alice Wahome and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro.
