Truth Behind Winnie Odinga's Arrest Minutes After Mass Protests

A past image of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga's last-born daughter, Winnie Odinga posing for a photo.
Winnie Odinga posing for a photo.
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Winnie Odinga

Social media was awash on Monday, March 27, with reports of Opposition Leader Raila Odinga's daughter, Winnie Odinga, being detained at Lang'ata police station. 

The speculations went rife that Winnie's vehicle was left behind Raila's motorcade with police officers allegedly firing shots at the car.

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, ODM's Director of Communications, Philip Etale, disregarded the reports and confirmed that she was safe. 

Winnie Odinga joins mass protests on Monday, MArch 27, 2023.
Winnie Odinga joins mass protests on Monday, March 27, 2023.
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He added that Winnie's vehicle was left behind from the procession as it has a minor breakdown. Etale, however, noted that the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP was on her way home. 

"I've spoken to her and she is safe. She is heading home at the moment," Etale confirmed. 

Efforts by Kenyans.co.ke to reach the Lang'ata OCPD went futile as calls went unanswered. 

Other reports indicated that Winnie Odinga's car was bombarded by police officers and her driver was arrested. The reports elicited debate among Kenyans online who wondered why such steps would be taken on Winnie Odinga or her driver. 

"Why such drastic action towards an individual who was not posing any threat?" Communication strategist, Pauline Njoroge posed. 

"Teargassing a travelling vehicle without any provocation proved henceforth. It is very similar to Magufuli's tenure and one should note how it ended," read some of the comments. 

The news came as Azimio's planned mass demonstration entered its second week. Sections of protestors from Kibra, Mathare, Migori and Kisumu engaged in running battles with police officers. 

Raila's motorcade, on the other hand, began at Lavington and headed to Kawangware, before making a stop to Kibra and finally proceeding to Lang'ata Road. 

One person was reportedly shot dead during a confrontation between police and protesters in Kisumu. 

Police officers lob teargas on Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga's convoy in Kawangware, Nairobi on Monday, March 27, 2023.
Police officers lob teargas on Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga's convoy in Kawangware, Nairobi on Monday, March 27, 2023.
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