Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has condemned the attack on supporters of Azimio la Umoja – One coalition party leader Raila Odinga who gathered at the National Archives in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) to celebrate his 79th birthday on Sunday, January 7, 2023.
In a statement on his X account, Kalonzo expressed his dismay at the use of force by the police, labelling it as an act of intimidation and brutality against peaceful supporters of Raila.
The incident occurred as the crowd gathered at the iconic Tom Mboya statue to commemorate Raila’s birthday
The incident, captured in a video circulating on social media, showed celebrants being scattered amidst chaos, with some defiantly shouting, “wacha tuchukue cake” (let us cut the cake).
Philip Etale, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Communications Director, condemned the attack, claiming that the cops also fired live ammunition in the air to disperse the crowd.
“Police in anti-riot gear have attacked peaceful Kenyans outside the National Archives as they were celebrating Raila Odinga’s birthday. They lobbed tear gas canisters and shot live bullets in the air. They were led by OCPD for Central. We can’t tell (whether anyone is injured) because they were just shooting at anyone and everyone on site. The intention was to scuttle the whole thing,” Etale stated.
