Matiangi issues strong statement after Raila’s chopper attack

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was attacked by unruly youth in Uasin Gishu County, and Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has ordered police to investigate.

Matiang’i condemned the attack in a statement released on Friday, April 1, and asked authorities to investigate the incident immediately and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Those responsible for the stoning of Raila’s chopper will be detained, according to the Interior CS, who also stated that those engaged in the planning and funding of the pandemonium will be prosecuted.

“My attention has been drawn to the stoning and the resultant damage of a helicopter and motor vehicles associated with the Azimio presidential candidate, Raila Odinga, during the funeral service of Mzee Jackson Kibor in Uasin Gishu County today.

“I call upon the National Police Service (NPS) 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 stated.

Matiang’i stated that security services will not allow similar incidents to happen again, noting the post-election violence in 2007-2008, which resulted in over 1,300 deaths and the displacement of over half a million people.

“The regrettable incident is a sad and atavistic reminder of the ugly face of violent political intolerance that our beloved motherland has worked hard to consign to the annals of a painful history in the last 14 years. I condemn this reprehensible and abhorrent act in the strongest terms possible,” read the statement in part.

The CS made the announcement after the NPS announced that the Regional Commissioner for the Rift Valley had been tasked with leading the investigations and arrests of the perpetrators.

“The Inspector General of Police has issued firm instructions to the Rift Valley Regional Police Commander to urgently take decisive action against the perpetrators of today’s violence, including all those who will be implicated for planning and organizing the violence,” read the statement by NPS.