Disruption at Azimio PG Meeting, July 17, 2024. IMAGE: Courtesy
In Summary:
1) A political meeting of the Azimio coalition was interrupted by goons, forcing Kalonzo Musyoka to end his speech prematurely.
2) Raila Odinga clarified his stance on national dialogue, calling for a convention rather than supporting President Ruto’s multi-sectoral forum.
An Azimio coalition meeting at the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation was thrown into chaos when a group of goons stormed the venue, forcing Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to cut his speech short.
The incident occurred as Kalonzo was reading a statement on behalf of Raila Odinga, who had left earlier to attend another engagement.
In videos seen by Topnews.co.ke, the goons could be heard chanting: “Our meeting is over, everyone should leave! People from the media get out now!”
The disruption caused attendees to flee for safety, leaving the meeting’s resolutions undisclosed. At the time of reporting, the Azimio camp had not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.
This disruption came shortly after Raila Odinga, the Azimio leader, addressed recent media reports about his stance on national dialogue.
Odinga refuted claims that he supported President William Ruto’s proposal for a multi-sectoral forum to address Kenya’s recent unrest.
Instead, he clarified his position, stating: “What we are calling for is a National Convention where all Kenyans will be brought on board to air their views.”
Odinga emphasized the widespread dissatisfaction with the current administration, adding: “It is a fact everyone is annoyed with Kenya Kwanza.”
He maintained that a broader platform for national discussion was necessary rather than a limited dialogue with the President.