CS Fred Matiang'i chastises leaders over teargas mayhem at Gusii stadium

Interior CS Fred Matiang'i greets Raila Junior at Bituka in Kisii county. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

Interior CS Fred Matiang’i has castigated Kisii political leaders over the chaos witnessed at Gusii Stadium during the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya meeting attended by running mate Martha Karua.

Speaking at Bituka Seventh Day Adventist Church, Kitutu Chache South in Kisii County yesterday, Dr Matiang’i said it was shameful for the leaders to wash their dirty linen in public.

“Elections are not war. What happened at Gusii Stadium was shameful. The whole world is now talking about us, that we threw teargas at our national leaders.” 

During the meeting, moments after the teargas disruption, supporters of various candidates took advantage of the chaos to unleash terror.

Dr Matiang’i urged church leaders to pray for peace ahead of the August election and asked them to understand that leaders are appointed by God.

Matiang’i was with Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya presidential candidate Raila Odinga’s son Raila Junior, Solicitor General Ken Ogeto, Health PS Susan Mochache, area MP Richard Onyonka, and Dagoreti North MP Simba Arati.

He further urged public servants who have retired to lead by example.

“I appeal to our elders in this community and political leadership, please play your role of uniting our people.”

Chaos was witnessed at Gusii Stadium during a meeting attended by running mate Martha Karua. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

In his speech, Junior told the faithful the Abagusii community will be part of the Azimio la Umoja government if the coalition will win the August 9 polls. He urged them to come out in large numbers to vote for Raila Odinga.

“I came here to worship with you today and request for Baba’s votes and I want to assure you the Abagusii and Kisii will be part of the incoming government,” Junior said.

On his part, Solicitor General Ken Ogeto urged the Gusii community to be united and be under one leadership. He said the Abagusii won’t be on the bargaining table if their votes will be scattered.

Mr Ogeto further assured Raila Junior that the Abagusii community is behind Odinga’s quest.

“I tell you today our people are behind Raila and we believe in him because he is the one who will deal with corruption in this country,” he said.