Nairobi, Kenya – Azimio leader Raila Odinga has issued a formal apology to the media following an incident where journalists were attacked by rowdy youths at a function held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation (JOOF) offices yesterday.
The incident, which took place during a political event, saw not only journalists but also leaders from parties allied with Azimio being roughed up by the unruly crowd. The violent disruption raised concerns about the security measures in place and the safety of individuals attending the event.
Addressing the media, Raila Odinga expressed his regret over the unfortunate incident and assured those affected that his party would take immediate action against the perpetrators. “We deeply regret the actions of these individuals and extend our sincerest apologies to the journalists and leaders who were caught up in this unfortunate incident,” Odinga stated.
Odinga emphasized that the Azimio coalition is committed to ensuring the safety and respect of all individuals, particularly members of the press who play a crucial role in the democratic process. He also vowed that the party would thoroughly investigate how the security breach occurred and take necessary steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
“We will get to the root of how these goons were able to breach security and interrupt our event. Those responsible will be held accountable, and we will implement stronger measures to ensure this does not happen again,” Odinga added.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the need for heightened security at political events and the protection of journalists in the line of duty. Media organizations and advocacy groups have called for swift action to address the issue and ensure that journalists can carry out their work without fear of violence or intimidation.
As the investigation unfolds, the Azimio coalition faces mounting pressure to deliver on its promise of accountability and to reinforce its commitment to a free and safe press.
