Raila’s Statement After Azimio Supporters Were Attacked in Kisii

Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga has condemned the attacks on his supporters following a rally in Kisii. 

In a statement on Saturday, February 18, the former Prime Minister claimed that UDA operatives who were working with State officers are behind the attacks. 

“Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition party strongly condemns the incident in which UDA operatives, working with State officers and well-known criminals invaded villages in Kisii, hacked people, and destroyed property. The victims in this attack were youth who attended the very peaceful Azimio rally in Kisii on Friday.

“That the attackers were led by a well-known jail-bird and hardcore criminal with several warrants of arrest to his name, is an indication that we are back to rule by thuggery and hooliganism,” part of the statement read.

The opposition chief called for the government to take action against the perpetrators noting that people would resort to protecting themselves the best way they can.

"Action must be taken against the criminals who participated in this attack, otherwise, people will have no option but to protect themselves in the best way they can," Raila stated.

He further asked UDA operatives who are having issues with the Azimio protest rallies to face the opposition leaders instead of attacking supporters.

"We call on UDA operatives who have issues with Azimio’s meetings to face us, the leaders and leave alone our innocent and peaceful supporters. We want to make it very clear that we will not allow state-sponsored hooliganism to take root in Kenya again and we will neither be cowed nor intimidated," he added.