Azimio La Umoja presidential candidate, Raila Odinga, has issued a statement following allegations that two journalists were attacked while covering an event at the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) on Thursday, March 24.
In a statement signed by the Raila Odinga Campaign Spokesperson, Makau Mutua, the former Prime Minister expressed regret over the incident, terming it as unfortunate.
Mutua noted that the Raila-led party does not entertain any acts of violence against anyone, let alone journalists.
"ODM and the Azimio La Umoja campaign have zero tolerance for any forms of intimidation and violence against anyone including journalists," read the statement in part.
Mutua noted with concern the frequency of attacks on members of press by individuals associated with ODM party, terming them as acts that undermine democracy.
"These rights are core to democracy and are non-negotiable, we are reviewing the reports of the attacks and will respond to them as appropriate. There is no place for such conduct by anyone in our society."
The statement by the Raila Odinga Campaign spokesperson followed shortly after the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) demanded for the immediate arrest of the goons behind the alleged assault.
MCK Chief Executive Officer (CEO), David Omwoyo, wrote to the Inspector General of Police, Hillary Mutyambai, asking him to apprehend the perpetrators behind the attack of Moses Nyamori from The Standard and Luke Awich from The Star.
"The MCK wants the police to immediately arrest the suspects who are known to have spearheaded the attack on journalists covering a public rally at Orange House earlier today," Omwoyo stated.
One of the journalists stated that they were accosted for airing a story that claimed the ODM party would give direct tickets to popular individuals.
The attack comes barely days after NTV journalists were allegedly harassed and blocked from covering an Azimio La Umoja rally in Nairobi.
