Raila Odinga Apologizes for Chaos at Azimio Event, Promises Action
Azimio la Umoja One Kenya leader Raila Odinga has issued an apology to journalists and leaders who were forcefully removed by youths from the coalition’s event in Nairobi on Wednesday, July 17.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka was among the leaders ousted by the unruly youths as he was presenting the coalition’s resolutions following a Parliamentary Group (PG) meeting.
In a statement from Mr. Odinga’s spokesperson Dennis Onyango, the ODM leader labeled the incident at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation (JOOF) as regrettable.
“Yesterday (Wednesday), following a lengthy and productive discussion on national developments and the stance of opposition parties, youths, some known to the parties and many unknown, stormed the venue and expelled attendees.
“We acknowledge that during the commotion, several journalists invited to cover the ODM-Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party meeting were mishandled,” Mr. Onyango’s statement read.
He noted that the venue of the meeting had previously hosted significant events at critical times in the country without such incidents.
“The Rt. Hon Raila Odinga deeply regrets yesterday’s events and takes this early opportunity to offer a sincere apology to the journalists and other leaders involved in the unfortunate incident,” he added.
Mr. Odinga, Mr. Onyango mentioned, “reassures journalists and fellow leaders that the Coalition will review the events, address the security gaps, and ensure the safety and freedom of journalists and leaders at all Azimio events, including those held at the same venue.”
Journalists covering the event had demanded an apology from the Political Journalists’ Association of Kenya (PJAK) chairman Rawlings Otieno after some reporters were injured in the chaos.
“The violence against journalists is not only wrong but an affront to press freedom, a cornerstone of Kenyan democracy,” Otieno stated.
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He called for action against those who assaulted the journalists.
Wednesday’s meeting ended in chaos after youths interrupted a press conference shortly after Mr. Musyoka, a co-principal of Azimio, began reading the resolutions.
Mr. Odinga had just excused himself for an “urgent meeting,” leaving Mr. Musyoka to deliver the statement.
Upon taking the stage, Mr. Musyoka conveyed Mr. Odinga’s apology, noting that he had left for an “urgent meeting.”
Notably, other senior ODM leaders, including Mr. Odinga’s deputies Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya, as well as ODM secretary-general Edwin Sifuna, chairman John Mbadi, director of political affairs Opiyo Wandayi, director of elections Junet Mohamed, and treasurer Timothy Bosire, among others, did not join Mr. Musyoka.
Mr. Sifuna later expressed regret over the incident where journalists were assaulted.
“I have spoken to the chairman of the Political Journalists Association, Rawlings Otieno, who confirmed that two journalists and a driver from a media house were attacked during the chaos at the Azimio PG.
“I am taking steps to ensure their well-being. This incident is highly regrettable,” said Mr. Sifuna.
Raila Odinga Apologizes for Chaos at Azimio Event, Promises Action
