Raila apologises to journalists following attack at his event

Azimio leader Raila Odinga. [Denish Ochieng, Standard]

Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga has apologised to the media and other coalition leaders after they were attacked at an event he presided over at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation (JOOF) offices.

In a statement issued on Thursday, July 18, Odinga condemned the attack and assured journalists that the coalition is working to address security lapses.

"Raila Odinga regrets the events of yesterday and takes this opportunity to offer unreserved apologies to the journalists and fellow leaders who were caught up in the unfortunate incident," read a statement from his spokesperson, Dennis Onyango. 

"Odinga assures journalists and fellow leaders that the coalition will review the events and address the security breaches."

His remarks followed Wednesday's incident, where rowdy youths disrupted an Azimio meeting shortly after Odinga had left the venue. 

In a video seen by The Standard, over 30 young men stormed the tent, interrupting Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka's speech. 

Journalists covering the event were caught in the scuffle, an action Odinga deeply regrets.

The leaders were whisked away to safety, cutting short the press briefing where the Azimio Coalition leadership had declared they would not be party to the proposed broad-based talks by President William Ruto.