Raila condemns attack on governor Ruto

Raila condemns attack on governor Ruto

Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) leader Raila Odinga has condemned the alleged attack on Governor Isaac Ruto by administration police officers in Bomet.

The former Prime Minister, who visited Ruto at the Nairobi Hospital, said the ‘attack’ on the governor was a continuation of a worrying agenda of hate and intolerance by the government as a way of handling dissent.

“We condemn this incident in very strong terms for its abrogation of the freedom of assembly, speech and association as guaranteed by the constitution,” read a statement to newsrooms sent by Odinga.

This comes even as Bomet County Commissioner Benard Lebarmarai rubbished the claims about a targeted attack on the governor, accusing Ruto of organizing hooligans that necessitated police presence in the area.

Ruto claims an administration police officer fired a teargas canister at him when he was called from a church service to negotiate the release of arrested Mashinani Party supporters.

Lebarmarai terms the claims as ‘impossible’ saying that a teargas canister shot from a riot gun can cause very serious injuries to a human face, not superficial ones like ones suffered by the governor.

Odinga said that the injury of Ruto was worrying, adding that the government could be resorting to baleful methods to target those who have criticised the Jubilee administration.

“Going by the trend, we have reason to believe things will take more ominous turn as we get closer to elections and as Jubilee comes under greater scrutiny,” says the Cord leader.

Meanwhile the Bomet governor was treated and discharged after being airlifted to Nairobi after the incident that occurred at Silibwet stadium during a friendly football match.

Tags:

Former PM Raila Odinga Nairobi Hospital. Silibwet FC Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto police lob teargas Teargassed Silibwet Stadium

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