NAIROBI, Kenya- Raila Odinga Jr has condemned the reported attack on Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka and other opposition leaders during political rallies in Migori County, saying democracy must be fought through ideas rather than violence.
“Democracy is a contest of ideas, not fists, stones or intimidation,” Raila Jr said after the disruption of Kalonzo’s Ukombozi Tour in Migori.
“No political ambition justifies attacking those who hold different views or are campaigning for office,” he added.
His statement came after opposition leaders reported that goons pelted their convoy with stones and that police used tear gas as they held political engagements in Migori on Thursday.
The leaders included Kalonzo, Democratic Party Leader Justin Muturi and DAP-K Leader Eugene Wamalwa, who were on the first day of a two-day tour of Migori and Homa Bay counties.
Images from the scene showed damaged windows on several vehicles in the opposition convoy.
Kalonzo faults rally disruption
Kalonzo spoke beside a vehicle with a damaged windscreen and accused unnamed actors of following a familiar pattern to disrupt opposition gatherings.
“The script is, throw the stone, then throw the teargas,” Kalonzo said.
The Wiper Patriotic Front said the group had been meeting residents to discuss issues affecting Kenyans and the country’s political future when their rallies were disrupted.
Kalonzo described the incident as political intolerance and said it violated the constitutional rights of Kenyans to peaceful assembly, expression and political participation.
The party called on the National Police Service and other security agencies to investigate the incident, identify those responsible and guarantee the safety of leaders and supporters attending political meetings.
Migori violence concerns
The incident has revived concerns over the safety of political gatherings in Migori, where violence has disrupted opposition activities in recent months.
In August, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Linda Mwananchi leaders were forced to flee after a political engagement in Migori was disrupted by tear gas and stone-throwing. A vehicle in the convoy was later torched in Awendo.
Raila Jr said political competition should never be used to justify attacks on opponents or citizens seeking to attend rallies.
His remarks also come at a politically sensitive time in Luo Nyanza, where several parties and leaders are competing for influence following the death of his father, the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Kalonzo’s Ukombozi Tour is expected to continue in Homa Bay County, with planned stops at the Tom Mboya Mausoleum, Oyugis and Kendu Bay.
The Wiper leader has maintained that the opposition will not be intimidated into ending its nationwide public engagements.
