NAIROBI, Kenya Apr 5 – Kalenjin elders have apologized to Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga over an incident in Soy where his helicopter was stoned and destroyed.
The elders said such hooliganism is not in the culture of the community and called on authorities to punish the perpetrators who stoned Raila’s chopper at Kabenes in Uasin Gishu as the former prime minister headed to the funeral of tycoon farmer Jackson Kibor.
The elders led by the Spokesman of the Kalenjin council of elders in Uasin Gishu Edwin Chepsiror visited Kibor’s home and the scene where the incident occurred.
“We apologize to Odinga and hope he will accept what we have said because he is also an elder like us,” Chepsiror said.
The elders said they are planning a prayer and a cleansing ceremony after 40 days.
“As per our tradition, the family of Kibor is still mourning and we cannot do anything at the moment until after the 40 days,” an elder Paul Tanui arap Tumbo told journalists.
Another elder David Singo’ei said they were not aware of any plan to attack Odinga.
He said the leaders linked to the incident preached peace during the funeral and could not have planned such an incident.
“We just urge the government to properly investigate the incident and ensure those involved are brought to book,” he said.
Police have summoned several leaders from the region, among them Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago, Soy MP Caleb Kositany and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi for questioning over the incident.
Although no one was hurt in the attack that occurred as Raila headed for the funeral of tycoon farmer Jackson Kibor, President Uhuru Kenyatta has warned that “Kenya could have degenerated into chaos” were he to be harmed.
Odinga is vying for the presidency to succeed president Kenyatta in the August election in what has put him in conflict with Deputy President William Ruto who is also eying the seat. Both did not attend the funeral that could have had them share a platform in recent weeks when they have gone on an all-out tirade against each other as they campaign in various parts of the country.
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