Raila Chases Media From KICC Event, Bans Recording Devices

Raila Odinga at KICC giving his speech to the Media about IEBC commission on August 16, 2022
Raila Odinga addresses the media at KICC on Tuesday, August 16, 2022
Kenyans.co.ke

Azimio la Umoja One Kenya alliance ordered journalists to leave the Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC) where it was holding a meeting of elected leaders.

The meeting, chaired by the coalition's flagbearer, Raila Odinga, saw all recording devices banned from the auditorium, including but not limited to phones.

"Thank you the members of the fourth estate. Now you are ordered to leave the room," announced the event coordinator.

This was Raila's second appearance in public since losing the presidential election to Deputy President William Ruto.

Raila Odinga giving his speech about IEBC flanked by Martha Karua on the left and Kalonzo Musyoka at KICC on August 15, 2022
Raila Odinga giving his speech about IEBC flanked by Martha Karua on the left and Kalonzo Musyoka at KICC on August 16, 2022
Kenyans.co.ke

Speaking before the event started, Embakasi East Member of Parliament-elect, Paul Ongili, famously known as Babu Owino, stated that the meeting was meant to forge a way forward for the coalition, especially in the National Assembly and the Senate. 

He added that the meeting would help the faction chat a united front even as its members wait for directions from Azimio leader, Raila Odinga, after he rejected the polls outcome.

"We have come here for the sake of our unity as Members of Parliament-elect and as leaders of Azimio," Babu Owino stated.

On Tuesday, August 16, the former Prime Minister rejected the results of the presidential election announced by Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson, Wafula Chebukati, terming them as erroneous, adding that they ought to be nullified.

He added that Azimio will explore all the legal options to annul president-elect William Ruto's win.

"Our view in Azimio is clear, the figures by Wafula Chebukati are null and void and must be quashed by a court of law. In our view, there is neither a legally and validly declared winner nor a president-elect.

"The law does not vest in the chairperson, the powers of a dictator to rule IEBC unilaterally. Decisions must be taken by consensus or by a vote of the majority," Raila stated.

IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati presents President-elect William Ruto his election certificate at the Bomas of Kenya on Monday, August 15, 2022.
Former IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati presents President William Ruto his election certificate at the Bomas of Kenya on Monday, August 15, 2022.
PCS