Raila apologises to media fraternity after attack on journalists by goons at Azimio event

Azimio leader Raila Odinga has apologised to the media fraternity after journalists were roughed up by goons at the coalition's function held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation (JOOF) offices in Nairobi on Wednesday.

The incident occurred after rowdy disrupted an ODM-Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya media briefing after leaders disagreed on whether to engage in national dialogue talks with President William Ruto.

Raila in a statement issued by his spokesman Dennis Onyango on Thursday morning assured journalists and leaders caught up in the unfortunate incident that his party will investigate the matter and ensure that it will not happen again in the future.

"Hon 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," the statement read.

Raila who is also the Orange Democratic Movement Party leader added that Azimio would get to the root of how the goons were able to breach security and interrupt the event.

Seal loopholes

"Raila assures the journalists and fellow leaders that the coalition will take stock of the events and seal loopholes that led to the security breach to ensure that journalists and leaders remain safe and free at all Azimio functions, including those at the same venue," reads the statement further.

"Kila mtu atoke nje!" - Goons disrupt Kalonzo Musyoka's presser, eject him and other leaders out of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation offices. pic.twitter.com/iK86KpoE1r

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) July 17, 2024

ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna who was also in the meeting but left before the goons arrived, also condemned the attacks.

"I'm still unclear as to the circumstances of the incident. I unreservedly condemn this uncouth behaviour and hope that the coalition takes action against those responsible," he said.

Azimio principal Kalonzo Musyoka was addressing the press when the youths stormed the area claiming they would not allow any leader to disrespect Raila.

Kalonzo was addressing the media alongside Budalang'i MP Raphael Wanjala and Migori Woman Representative Mohammed Fatuma alongside others. Former Jubilee Party Secretary General Raphael Tuju was also in attendance.

As Kalonzo was speaking, the rowdy youths picked up chairs and began throwing them towards the leaders and journalists as they chanted pro-Raila slogans.

The youths, who were claiming that they would not allow any coalition principal to disrespect Raila, drove the leaders and journalists out of the compound with some scribes getting hit by plastic chairs.

"Nobody disrespects Raila when we are alive, no press conference here," the youths shouted as they turned chairs upside down.