Raila Called Out Over His Silence After Tuesday’s Violent Protests

Former Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) board chair Irungu Nyakera has criticized ODM leader Raila Odinga over his silence in the wake of violent protests that rocked Nairobi on Tuesday, June 17. 

In a statement on Thursday, June 19, Nyakera accused Raila of abandoning his long-held stance against police brutality and failing to condemn the violence.

"Bold Raila once called out rogue police for killing innocent children. Today, he is eating silently as a principal in this murderous regime," he said.

Nyakera went on to accuse Raila of turning a blind eye to human rights abuses and silencing those speaking against police excesses.

"Raila has gone from standing up for the right to life to silencing the likes of Gladys Wanga, who are speaking out against extrajudicial killings. What a betrayal," he added.

On Wednesday, June 18, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga issued a condemnation of the recent surge in police violence across the country.

She cited the tragic death of Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody, as a tipping point in the national outcry against police abuse. 

“Today, we stand united in grief and outrage as our nation confronts a wave of police brutality, impunity, and extrajudicial killing. The tragic killing of our son, Albert Ojwang in police custody has shaken our collective national conscience,” she stated.

Wanga also drew attention to the suspicious death of 36-year-old fisherman Calvins Omondi Ondit,i who allegedly hanged himself using his trousers while in custody at Kipasi Police Post in Mbita. 

“Yet, as we mourn Albert, another family in Mbita is shattered by the death of Calvin Omondi Onditi, a 36-year-old fisherman who allegedly ‘hanged himself’ with his trousers at Kipasi Police Post, Mbita. The post-mortem at the Homa Bay County Referral Hospital will reveal the truth,” she continued.

As such, Wanga called for urgent legal action, saying the perpetrators of extrajudicial killings and violence against citizens must face the law.

"Enough is enough. The perpetrators of these extrajudicial killings must face the full force of the law. The Kenya Police Service must carry its own cross. We condemn these atrocities and demand accountability. The immediate prosecution of all officers involved, including those bearing command responsibility," she further said.