National Super Alliance (NASA) Leader Raila Odinga has condemned the attack on his campaign convoy in Thika on Thursday stating that Kenyans should be more tolerant when attending political rallies.
In a Facebook post, the NASA Leader noted that while he had seen incidents of heckling in his previous campaigns, the attack in Thika was the first time he had been attacked with stones and other weapons.
Mr Odinga alluded to the fact that the violence could have been planned prior to his visit.
"Well, today was a day of mixed fortunes. We took our campaign of change to Kiambu County, a Jubilee stronghold. Out of 5 stops, two, Thika and Githurai were engulfed in unseemly violence.
"The groups of young people who attacked our convoy with stones and other weapons were obviously organised. While the campaign season has seen incidents of heckling, this is the first time such violence has been witnessed," Odinga's post read in part.
The Former Prime Minister mentioned that peaceful protest was allowed in rallies but warned that youth should not be used to cause violence in rallies.
"Peaceful protest and the occasional heckling is part of freedom of speech and is protected by the constitution. As a seasoned politician, I have had my fair share of heckling. However it's another matter when people come to rallies armed to cause violence," Odinga stated.
The NASA Leader urged all Kenyans to be calm and welcome all leaders during the campaign period without judging them on the basis of their party affiliation.
"I am asking both our supporters and Jubilee's to be calm at opposing rallies. Make your opinion be known if you must. It's part of a democratic process of engaging competing opinions. Organised violence has no place in this process," he stated.
The ODM leader thanked all residents who showed up for the rally stating that as the Opposition, they were excited at every opportunity to share their message that the upcoming election is about changing the direction of Kenya.
On Thursday, Mr Odinga was forced to cancel his address in Thika after rowdy youth attacked his campaign caravan.
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