Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader has issued an apology to leaders of the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition and journalists following an incident where a group of individuals disrupted and prematurely ended a press conference by co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.
In a statement released on Thursday, July 18, 2024, Odinga expressed profound regret over the incident, which occurred shortly after he had departed from the press conference. He acknowledged that some of the individuals involved in the disruption were recognized, while others remained unidentified.
“Yesterday, at the tail end of long and fruitful deliberations on developments in the country and the position of the opposition parties, youths, some known, many unknown to the parties, invaded the venue and ejected participants,” Odinga said.
He added: “Raila Odinga regrets the events of yesterday and takes this early opportunity to offer unreserved apologies to the journalists and fellow leaders who got caught up in the unfortunate incident.”
Odinga remarked that the venue, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation, had hosted significant events in the past, and described the events of yesterday as ‘unfortunate incidents.’ Musyoka’s speech was abruptly halted when intruders entered the venue, shouting, “Everyone should leave! The meeting is over! Media personnel, you too, leave now!” Amid the chaos, some of these individuals also mistreated journalists who were covering the event.
Security personnel quickly escorted the leaders to safety. Present at the event were former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya, Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament Peter Kaluma, Kitui Senator Enock Wambua, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, and others from the Azimio coalition.
While other coalition leaders remained at the venue during the disruption, Odinga had already departed, along with Hassan Joho and Junet Mohamed.
“Our Party leader Raila Amollo Odinga had to leave for an urgent meeting and he has asked us to make this statement,” Kalonzo said before the goons arrived to disrupt the event.
The disruption is seen to have been instigated by the opposition of a section of the Azimio leaders to the talks planned by President William Ruto with the view to form a broad-based government.
“That for the avoidance of doubt the Azimio-OKA coalition will not be part of the proposed broad-based or any other dialogue with the Kenya Kwanza coalition,” Kalonzo insisted.
ODM has expressed support for the ongoing talks, while Kalonzo and other affiliated parties have demanded the arrest of rogue police officers responsible for shooting and injuring protesters. They have also called for the removal of Nairobi area police boss Adamson Bungei. Additionally, the leaders have urged for the immediate release of all individuals who were detained during the protests.
