Raila's Rally Interrupted as VIPs Fight on Podium

Azimio presidentialcandidate Raila Odinga and leaders from the Ukambani Region during a rally in Athi River on Sunday, June 12, 2022.jpg (6
Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga and leaders from the Ukambani Region during a rally in Athi River on Sunday, June 12, 2022.
Raila Odinga

Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga was on Sunday, June 12, forced to cut short his speech in Athi River after a fight broke out at his VIP dais.

Odinga, who was on a tour of the Ukambani region, witnessed the ugly faction wars between his supporters in Machakos County.

Trouble started when Azimio Chief Minister nominee Kalonzo Musyoka asked Chama Cha Uzalendo party leader Nzioka Waita to shelve his gubernatorial ambitions in favour of Wiper's Wavinya Ndeti.

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Waita's supporters were not happy about the remarks given that the former State House Chief of Staff had stuck with Raila even after the fallout with Kalonzo.

When the former Prime Minister rose to address the crowd, he referenced Kalonzo's request but did not give a conclusive directive - only promising that a deal would be struck. 

Odinga's speech was followed by a commotion in the VIP podium where two gentlemen were seen exchanging blows 

In the video seen by Kenyans.co.ke, Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu was captured dashing towards Raila, where she got cover behind the former PM before the Azimio media team cut the livestream.

During the rally, Waita and Wavinya supporters were engaged in shouting battles when each of the leaders they were introduced by Raila and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

Kalonzo took to the podium to clarify claims that he had stated that those who rigged out Raila in the previous election had found their way to Azimio. He claimed that he had been misquoted and was only referring to the DP and not President Uhuru Kenyatta.

"When I spoke in Nakuru, I was misinterpreted, with some people saying that those who rigged elections are now working with us. I was talking about Ruto, not President Kenyatta, and I want this to be clarified," he added.

On his part, Raila continued to promote Azimio's manifesto, promising  the people of Machakos free primary, secondary and university education. He also pledged recognition of skills in the jua kali sector through the adaptation the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy.

The African High Representative for Infrastructure Development added that he would ensure that he provide medical services under the Baba care programme.

Azimio presidentialcandidate Raila Odinga and leaders from the Ukambani Region during a rally in Athi River on Sunday, June 12, 2022
Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga and leaders from the Ukambani Region during a rally in Athi River on Sunday, June 12, 2022.
Raila Odinga
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