Raila blames Gov. Mandago, MP Kositany over attack in Uasin Gishu

Azimio la Umoja political coalition presidential flag bearer Raila Odinga is accusing some high-ranking members of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in North Rift of masterminding the attack meted on him in Uasin Gishu Country on Friday.

The former Prime Minister claims that rowdy youth, who had been marshaled by his political opponents attacked his plane, while on a tour of Kabenes area of Uasin Gishu County, destroying the airshield “with rocks that were clearly aimed at me.”

“I witnessed what should worry ever Kenyan keen to protect the freedom of speech, association and multipartysm that we fought hard and long to get.” He said

In a statement issued after the incident, Raila disclosed that prior to the attack on his chopper, the said youth had pelted his vehicles with stones. He says he now has information on those who were behind the ugly incident.

“For today’s unfortunate events, I hold Uasin Gishu governor Jackson Mandagor and Soy MP. Hon. Caleb Kositany responsible,” Raila said

In the wake of Friday’s incident, the ODM leader called on the two leaders, who are allies of Deputy President William Ruto, and all leaders from the region, to commit to an end to the “bizarre attempts to balkanize the country into ethnic and tribal party zones ahead of August election.”

According to the former PM, the threat came in the form of youth who had been ‘mobilized, armed and paid to cause mayhem and disorder,’ in a bid to create what he described as “political zones” in the country.

He says he was only in the area to attend the burial of his long-time friend Jackson Kibor.

And even as he thanked security officers for ensuring his safety, Raila condemned the assault on his itinerary noting that the attacks present a very dark reminder of what the country has witnessed in previous electioneering periods.

“In the run-up to August, someone seems to be assembling a rag-tag band of extremist youths, radicalized by lies and handouts to zone the country before pushing us into mayhem.” He charged

The ODM boss was, however, quick to note that despite the violence meted out on him and his team, he remained optimistic that the country will hold a peaceful, free, and fair election in August.

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