Raila Lashes Out at Diplomats After Police Allegedly Shot at His Car

The windscreen of Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's bulletproof car (left) and the ODM boss addressing his supporters on March 20, 2023.
The windscreen of Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's bulletproof car (left) and the ODM boss addressing his supporters on March 20, 2023.
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Prof Makau Mutua/ Azimio TV

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Wednesday, March 22, questioned the silence of the diplomatic community over what he termed as injustice and the return of dictatorship including the alleged shooting of his car by the police.

In a statement signed by Raila Odinga Campaign Secretariat Spokesperson Makau Mutua, the ODM boss raised concern that the international community in Kenya had remained silent despite the alleged violence that was meted on him and his supporters.

Raila documented that his vehicle was shot at while in the company of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Monday, March 20, adding that his supporters were also targeted despite holding peaceful demonstrations.

"We remind them that Azimio is pursuing the ideals of democracy and human rights that many of them purport to hold dear. 

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and his ally Prof Makau Mutua inside the car of the ODM boss after it was allegedly shot at by the police on March 20, 2023.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and his ally Prof Makau Mutua inside the car of the ODM boss after it was allegedly shot at by the police on March 20, 2023.
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Makau Mutua

"The people of Kenya are keenly watching how they will respond to Ruto's unfolding republic of fear. For our part, we will not relent, or surrender, to an illegitimate regime," read the statement in part.

Additionally, the ODM boss asked the international community to ignore a letter that was written by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs asking them to sanction Raila over the protests.

Raila insisted that their protests were aimed at addressing serious concerns that were affecting them and Kenyans.

"Kenya's economy is in a free fall. The cost of living is completely out of reach for most Kenyans. The cost of basic foodstuffs, fuel, electricity, and school fees has gone through the roof. 

Meanwhile, Ruto and his regime have gone on a spending binge to burden the taxpayer and a broke exchequer by creating offices for their spouses, splashing money on fleets of luxury vehicles, and taking expensive and opaque junkets abroad," Raila stated.

Other issues Azimio raised were the recruitment exercise of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials, 2022 General Election results and government appointments.

Consequently, Raila maintained that they would continue with protests scheduled for every Monday and Thursday.

The statement by Raila came after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs asked the international community to sanction Raila over the March 20 protests.

“In line with the importance of holding those responsible for any crimes that may be committed under the guise of protests and ensuring no impunity is encouraged. 

“The Government urges the international community to be vigilant in supporting the sanctioning of any conduct adverse to the peace and security of the country,” read the letter in part.

From left to right: UK Ambassador to Kenya Jane Marriott, UK's James Cleverly, Foreign Affairs Alfred Mutua and Kenya's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Manoah Esipisu in London on March 15, 2023.
From left to right: UK Ambassador to Kenya Jane Marriott, UK's James Cleverly, Foreign Affairs Alfred Mutua and Kenya's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Manoah Esipisu in London on March 15, 2023.
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Alfred Mutua
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