We are not fools: ODM leaders trash DP Ruto’s apology on Raila attack
A section of ODM leaders have dismissed an apology issued by Deputy President WIlliam Ruto over an a attack against former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, arguing that the violence was a sign of cowardice.
Speaking in Siaya County on Saturday, Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi said they cannot accept the apology, adding that their opponents have sensed defeat and resorted to violence.
"Don't try to fool us by authoring belated apologies. Don't try to think we are fools that you can come and try to apologize to once you have commanded your goons to attack Raila Odinga.
"We don't accept that apology as Raila's followers and we want to tell Ruto that 'if you saw the seed of thuggery you will for sure reap the fruits of violence',” Wandayi was quoted by the Star.
Echoing Wandayi’s remarks, Odinga’s elder brother Dr Oburu Odinga noted that such acts of violence are a threat to peace in the country.
He called for calm and tolerance, arguing that all politicians have a right to visit and campaign in any part of the country they wish to.
[caption id="attachment_16162" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
From left: Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi, EALA MP Dr Oburu Odinga (C)and Siaya Senator James Orengo. [Photo: Courtesy][/caption]On his part, Siaya Senator James Orengo noted that Raila will not be intimidated by such acts, adding that the ODM leader will return to Uasin Gishu for several political engagements.
Addressing the media on Saturday, DP Ruto condemned the attack and publicly apologised to Odinga.
He called upon leaders and supporters of UDA party to embrace divergent views and exercise tolerance, even though they may not agree with the ideas of the different coalitions or political leaders.
He further noted that the party is working with relevant agencies to ensure the perpetrators of the incident are brought to book.
“Yesterday there was an incident in Uasin Gishu where some violence was meted on the party leader of our opposing party, Raila Odinga. I have instructed the party to work with the police so that we can get to the root of what happened yesterday in Eldoret.
“Even as we work as a party to ensure we have an election free of violence, I also take this opportunity to apologize to Raila Odinga for what happened to him yesterday, it was really unfortunate and I hope those who engaged in this exercise regret what they did,” the DP said.
From left: Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi, EALA MP Dr Oburu Odinga (C)and Siaya Senator James Orengo. [Photo: Courtesy][/caption]On his part, Siaya Senator James Orengo noted that Raila will not be intimidated by such acts, adding that the ODM leader will return to Uasin Gishu for several political engagements.
Addressing the media on Saturday, DP Ruto condemned the attack and publicly apologised to Odinga.
He called upon leaders and supporters of UDA party to embrace divergent views and exercise tolerance, even though they may not agree with the ideas of the different coalitions or political leaders.
He further noted that the party is working with relevant agencies to ensure the perpetrators of the incident are brought to book.
“Yesterday there was an incident in Uasin Gishu where some violence was meted on the party leader of our opposing party, Raila Odinga. I have instructed the party to work with the police so that we can get to the root of what happened yesterday in Eldoret.
“Even as we work as a party to ensure we have an election free of violence, I also take this opportunity to apologize to Raila Odinga for what happened to him yesterday, it was really unfortunate and I hope those who engaged in this exercise regret what they did,” the DP said. What's Your Reaction?
