Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has called on the government to take action against police officers who injured the anti-government protesters in June and July this year.
Speaking in Mombasa during the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Executive Committee presser held on Saturday, Odinga faulted President Ruto’s administration for failing to take necessary action against the rogue officers.
While calling for justice, Odinga alleged how a section of police officers deployed to man protesters reportedly killed several Kenyans and left others maimed. According to Raila, the demonstrators were injured while exercising their rights to assemble and picket.
“This year, demonstrations were also held, our youths came out in numbers to demand their rights, people were killed by officers who openly shot at our youths, and we condemn the police brutality. We want progress in our nation but we must condemn the actions of brutality,” Raila commented.
“We called for a lasting solution so that all Kenyans can be united. We say that justice must be allowed to take its course on the culprits of police brutality during mass protests that ended up in the killing of innocent Kenyans,” Raila added.
During his speech, the former premier ratified the appointment of Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o as the Acting party leader and Governors Simba Arati (Kisii), Ahmed Nassir (Mombasa) and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi as the deputy party leaders.
Odinga further commended ODM for its recognition by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) as the only party that was operating within the law. "ODM is the only party in Kenya operating within the law. Everyone else is masquerading, claiming legitimacy but falling short of legal requirements," Odinga said.
The former Prime Minister also told the party members to prepare adequately for the forthcoming grassroots elections scheduled to begin next month. Odinga cautioned members against violence and uncouth behaviour during the process.
"As you know, from next month we have grassroots elections. We want the elections to be conducted in a proper way we do not want to witness violence because the party is more important than the individual. Let the elections be conducted in a friendly manner," Odinga stated.
Meanwhile, Odinga's call for justice for those injured comes hardly four months after the country descended into chaos after youthful demonstrators protested against the defunct Finance Bill 2024.
Although the bill was finally withdrawn, the deadly protests saw over 59 Kenyans killed in the demonstrations. According to data from the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), the protests also left more than 400 Kenyans injured.
