•Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili, Speaker Elisha Oraro and Woman Rep aspirant Ruth Odinga said the attack was a barbaric reminder of campaign intolerance.
•Oraro told Deputy President William Ruto and Kenya Kwanza Alliance team to visit other counties and campaign.
Image: MAURICE ALAL
Kisumu leaders have condemned Friday attack on ODM leader Raila Odinga and his convoy in Uasin Gishu and demanded for a thorough probe.
Raila's convoy was attacked as he left the funeral of Jackson Kibor in Kabenes, Soy constituency.
His convoy was stoned and the chopper windshield broken.
Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili, Speaker Elisha Oraro and Woman Rep aspirant Ruth Odinga said the attack was a barbaric reminder of campaign intolerance.
They spoke during a free medical camp organised by Ruth and presided by Health CAS Mercy Mwangagi at Kisumu Union Primary school on Saturday.
More than 1,000 patients were treated for various diseases and given drugs while others were referred to county hospitals.
Owili alleged that the attack was an assassination attempt on the Azimio la Umoja presidential candidate.
He said the former Prime minister has been championing for peace and unity and should not be attacked while seeking for votes.
Owili said such acts are a threat to peace, unity and stability saying those involved should be arrested and charged.
“We are all Kenyans. When it burns we burn, we should embrace political tolerance in every part of the country,” he said.
Owili said the people of Kisumu love peace and welcomed any presidential aspirant to the county to popularise their bid.
He also called on the government to beef up Raila’s security ahead of the general elections.
Ruth, condemned the incident saying it should not be tolerated.
She called for speedy investigations saying political campaigns should not be conducted with violence, fear and intimidation.
“It is very unfortunate that Raila can be attacked with his entourage and chopper damaged. We are not happy about the incident,” Ruth said.
She urged police to ensure strict adherence to the constitution and maintain peace and order at all times.
Oraro said the investigation should be swift and the culprits brought to book.
He said Raila should be respected and treated with decorum.
The Speaker claimed the attacks were well planned by selfish politicians who are out to fuel chaos.
“We want stern action taken. Those involved must be arrested,” he said.
Oraro told Deputy President William Ruto and Kenya Kwanza Alliance team to visit other counties and campaign.
“They should visit all counties including Kisumu to market their ideologies no region in Kenya is locked for a certain community,” he said.
Raila blamed the attack on Governor Jackson Mandago and Soy MP Caleb Kositany.
Mandago has, however, denied any involvement in the incident, saying he was above such cheap schemes.
He noted that Raila and his team used his car after he landed in Eldoret for the funeral.
"How can I scheme or plan to have my vehicle stoned," Mandago said.
He urged Police IG Hillary Mutyambai to ensure all those involved in the incident are arrested and prosecuted.
"My stand on peace and unity is clearly known," he said.
Police have so far arrested fourteen people suspected to have been part of the attack.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)