Outgoing ODM party leader Raila Odinga has broken silence on the action s by police officers against peaceful protestors and even journalists during Thursday’s protests.
Raila condemned the police for their actions, terming them a violation of rights enshrined in the constitution.
“I have been made aware of the events that transpired during the peaceful Nane Nane protests. It is with deep concern that I learnt of the arbitrary arrests, detentions, and excessive use of force by police which led to the harassment of the peaceful protests and journalists, including a member of the international press, Larry Madowo of CNN,” he said.
The African Union chairmanship candidate expressed his solidarity with Kenyans in their quest for justice, freedom and the full realization of their rights.
He urged the relevant authorities to respect the rights of all Kenyans.
“I also urge the immediate release of those who were unjustly detained and a thorough investigation into the misconduct of the officers involved,” Raila said.
While covering the protests, Larry says he was targeted by the police at least twice, and hit by a fragment in one occasion. The men in uniform were aboard a car with concealed number plates.
“BREAKING: Kenyan police targeted me directly today. I was hit by a fragment after officers aimed at me and my CNN team at least twice while covering protests in Nairobi,” Larry shared online.
BREAKING: Kenyan police targeted me directly today. I was hit by a fragment after officers aimed at me and my CNN team at least twice while covering protests in Nairobi pic.twitter.com/Nh8F7HOvjI
— Larry Madowo (@LarryMadowo) August 8, 2024
