The government on Wednesday issued a new report dismissing allegations that the National Intelligence Service (NIS) was involved in the recent chaos experienced in Migori during an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) rally.
Government spokesman Eric Kiraithe stated that the Opposition was fabricating and making up cheap lies in a bid to tarnish the image of the State.
“As we know, there is a group of politicians who always stir chaos to gain political sympathy and we know what they are doing. The government is investigating,” he stated
Kiraithe further defended the security agencies for denying politicians’ permits for rallies.
“We should not blame the police if they think or know an area is not safe. They will advise you not to hold your rally at that time, but this does not mean you will not be able to carry out your rally when it is safe,” the government spokesman said.
He added that the government was working towards ensuring safety in areas prone to violence.
“We know areas that are prone to violence and police named Migori as one of the areas with security threats during the election period,” Kiraithe said.
Violence erupted during a rally at Posta Grounds in Migori on Monday as supporters of Governor Okoth Obado and rival Ochillo Ayacko clashed.
During the chaos, Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho's bodyguard was shot and injured.
After the incident, Joho sent a statement to newsrooms claiming that his entourage was attacked by trained security officers dressed in civilian clothes.
“The entire operation had all markings of an assassination attempt which left one of our bodyguards shot and wounded in the leg and the vehicle I was riding in hit with bullets, at least two bullets.
"We believe that the events of today are part of a growing pattern of the politically motivated attacks and intolerance that we have witnessed in the recent days even though until today those attacks have mostly been verbal,” Joho stated.
Joho emphasised that the Migori chaos were an attempt on his life and that of other ODM leaders.
