Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) dismissed claims that former Raila Odinga's aide Silas Jakakimba had travelled to Harare on behalf of the party leader to cause election chaos.
Zimbabwe police had alleged that Jakakimba went to Harare as Raila’s envoy during the July 30 poll and incited protesters to reject the results.
In a statement on Tuesday, ODM executive director Oduor Ong’wen maintained the orange party did not send anybody or any representatives to Harare.
"Jakakimba travelled to Harare on his own volition and was neither representing the party nor the party leader. Although he is known to Raila, he is neither an employee of ODM nor of the Raila Odinga Secretariat," Ong’wen stated.
[caption caption="Raila Odinga with former aide Silas Jakakimba"]
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According to reports by a Zimbabwean newspaper, the Daily Mail, Jakakimba was sought by police for interrogation on the chaos that left at least six dead.
Zimbabwe police chief spokesperson, senior assistant commissioner Charity Charamba, was quoted by the Daily Mail stating, “The Zimbabwe Republic Police is keen to interview Silas Jakakimba, a Kenyan national, in connection with the disturbances which occurred in Harare on August 1.”
Jakakimba dismissed the claims arguing that his involvement was not even remotely possible.
He further claimed it was Raila who asked him to convey his message of goodwill to MDC alliance in its last public rally days to the July 30 election.
Jakakimba revealed he was received at the airport by Tsvangirai's wife and his former PA, Joseph Mungwari, the information he claimed could be verified by the country's immigration officers.
[caption caption="Silas Jakakimba"]
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Supporters of the defeated Movement for Democratic Change Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa took to the streets in violent protests after Emmerson Mnangagwa was announced the winner.
