ODM leader Raila Odinga has revealed deeper details on what happened to him shortly after attending the late Men’s Conference, Mzee Kibor’s funeral in Soy Constituency, Uasin Gishu County.
Speaking during a rally in West Pokot, Odinga recounted the exact moments of the attack exposing that the youths commenced the chaos immediately he entered his car ready to leave at the venue where the burial ceremony was being conducted.
As soon as he entered his car, stones followed from behind simultaneously until he reached to his chopper.
While almost shedding tears while explaining, Raila added that amid fears that he may end up being killed by the charged rowdy youths, he risked moving out of his car to board the chopper. With the help of his allies who strongly stood beside him, he was able to board the chopper. Just before he zoomed off, Odinga said more stones rained on his chopper.
Finally, the pilot’s hesitance helped in saving their lives as he went to Governor Oparanya’s home to spend the night.
Meanwhile, Interior CS Fred Matiang’i directed the National Police Service to investigate and arrest youths involved in the stoning of Odinga’s chopper on Friday.
In a statement, Matiang’i condemned the attack, saying that those who planned the attack should also be arrested.
“I call upon the National Police Service to investigate the matter and ensure that all the culprits and their masterminds are made to swiftly and decisively face the consequences of their criminal actions,” he said.
So far the police have arrested 17 people accused of hurling stones at Raila’s chopper.
Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Stephen Kihara said those arrested have given information on how the incident took place.
He added that key political leaders in the region have been linked to planning the incident.
Kihara said the politicians will be arrested to serve as a lesson to others.
“We will not allow that to happen in our country and anyone doing that will not be tolerated,” he said on Saturday.
The County Commissioner said investigations were underway to ensure anyone involved is arrested and charged.
The National Police Service in a statement said those arrested were found to be in possession of money in Sh50 denominations and are helping with investigations.
