ODM leadership has responded to the incident where thugs disrupted Kalonzo’s speech

Division within the Azimio Coalition appears to have deepened further following recent chaotic events during a coalition meeting. The meeting, held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation grounds, witnessed the disruption where goons prevented Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka from delivering his speech.

Azimio members, including co-principal Raila Odinga, had gathered for the meeting. At its conclusion, Kalonzo Musyoka was expected to announce the resolutions passed during the gathering. However, shortly into his address, the venue was stormed by goons who disrupted proceedings with chants of “meeting imeisha; kila mtu atoke nje,” and forcefully removed journalists covering the event.

In response to the chaos, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna expressed regret over the incident and pledged to take action against those responsible.

“I have learned of the shocking disruption that happened at the tail end of the Azimio PG this afternoon. I left the PG early for the airport and 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.”

Sifuna also addressed the journalists who were injured during the incident, stating that measures are being taken to ensure their well-being.

“I’ve spoken to the chair of the political journalists association Rawlings Otieno who confirms two journalists and a driver from one of the media houses were roughed up in the melee at the Azimio PG. As we await word from the Coalition, I’m taking steps to ensure they are OK. This incident is highly regrettable,” Sifuna added.

Following the disruption, Azimio suspended the address but later issued a statement outlining the resolutions from the PG meeting. A key resolution emphasized the coalition’s firm rejection of participating in the proposed broad-based government suggested by President William Ruto after recent nationwide demonstrations.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Azimio-OKA coalition will not be part of the proposed broad-based or any other government with the Kenya Kwanza coalition,” the statement clarified.

Additionally, Azimio demanded the immediate apprehension of rogue police officers implicated in violence, deaths, and kidnappings during peaceful protests since the Finance Bill demonstrations began on June 18, 2024. They also called for government compensation for victims of police violence and coverage of hospital bills for those injured in police shootings.