Raila learnt with deep concern about the arbitrary arrests, detentions, and excessive use of force by the police, which led to the harassment of peaceful protesters and journalists, referring to Madowo’s case.
Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga on Saturday, August 10 condemned the brutality meted out to Kenyans during the Nane Nane Protests including journalists such as Larry Madowo from CNN.
On August 8, Madowo reported that he was shot at by police officers during his coverage of the protests. A police car full of officers drove past him before an explosion into teargas happened a few metres behind him before he stopped in his tracks.
As he turned to get a glimpse of events behind him, Madowo cried out sharply while clutching to the side of his neck. “That was aimed directly at me,” he cried out, adding “he’s aiming directly at me”. The camera panned to a police car which had stopped adjacent to Wabera Street.
“He’s shooting directly at me,” he cried out again. “Why are you shooting at me? Why are you shooting at me?!” as the police car drove off.
CNN’s Larry Madowo being shot at from a police car in Nairobi CBD on August 8, 2024. /CNN
Madowo then reported that the police had shot two teargas canisters directly at him while he was looking at them at close range. He noted that he was not badly hurt but the fragments had hit his cheek and “they appeared to have missed.”
In his statement, Raila learnt with deep concern about the arbitrary arrests, detentions, and excessive use of force by the police, which led to the harassment of peaceful protesters and journalists, referring to Madowo’s case.
“These actions are not only unacceptable but also a direct violation of the rights enshrined in our Constitution. The right to peaceful assembly, the freedom of expression, and the protection of journalists are fundamental pillars of our democracy, pillars that we have fought long and hard to establish and must continue to protect,” he stated.
Raila went on to assure Kenyans that he stood with them, amidst questions regarding his political leanings after his close allies were appointed to the cabinet. They include Hassan Ali Joho (Mining & Blue Economy), John Mbadi (Treasury), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum) and Wycliffe Oparanyya (Cooperatives & SMEs).
For a long time, Raila has been hailed as the father of Kenyan democracy with Kenyans appreciating the key role he played in fighting dictatorship under the Daniel Arap Moi regime and helping deliver the 2010 Constitution. However, this year’s youth-led anti-government protests showed just how Kenyans would operate without having to turn to the opposition.
When Kenyans trooped to the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) to show their opposition to the now-deleted Finance Bill 2024, a whole new dynamic was introduced in Kenya’s political landscape, marking the first time that Kenyans were opposing the government’s policies directly without needing the opposition.
“I want to make it clear that I stand with the people in their quest for justice, freedom, and the full realization of their rights. I strongly condemn the actions taken by the police yesterday and call upon the relevant authorities to respect the constitutional rights of all Kenyans,” he added.
Raila also called for the immediate release of those who were unjustly detained and a thorough investigation into the misconduct of the officers involved.
“Let us remain united in our resolve to create a Kenya that respects the rule of law, upholds the rights of its citizens, and values the role of a free and fair press. Together, we will continue this struggle, and together, we will achieve the Kenya we all deserve,” he concluded.
Azimio Leader, Raila Odinga delivers a speech on June 5, 2024. /MUSALIA MUDAVADI