Editor's Review

A section of Raila allied MPs declined Ruto's apology on Saturday

Hours after Deputy President William Ruto rendered his apology to ODM boss Raila Odinga over attacks on his chopper in Uasin Gishu county, a section of Raila allied MPs have declined the apology.

Led by Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi, the leaders from Siaya county claimed Ruto's apology was not genuine, hence as Raila followers, they will not fall for his gimmicks.

According to the legislator, Ruto has sensed defeat in the coming general polls and the attacks on Raila's chopper were allegedly hired by UDA under the instructions of the DP.

"We don't accept that apology as Raila's followers and we want to tell Ruto that 'if he planted seeds of thuggery then he will for sure reap the fruits of violence" stated Wandayi.

{Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi. Photo: Courtesy}

He accused Ruto of "fooling them" with apologies, saying the damage had been done and that people must be held responsible for the Soy attacks. While promising to put Ruto in his place, Opiyo claimed that DP was preparing himself for post-August general elections.

"You cannot command your goons to attack Raila and ask for forgiveness, we are not fools. You have realized that you are losing this elections pants down, your recourse is now violence. We shall deal with you properly" added Opiyo.

On his part, Siaya Senator James Orengo warned that they will not accept such acts of violence, adding that their boss Raila Odinga has all the rights to visit any part of the country.

Orengo insisted on the need to have peace past August polls, adding that Raila will not be cowed into skipping certain regions perceived to be Ruto's strongholds in his campaigns.

{Senator James Orengo during a function in Siaya county on April 2, 2022. Photo: Courtesy}

Speaking from his Karen office on Saturday, Ruto rendered his apologies to Raila over the incident.  The second in command condemned the attacks terming them as unfortunate, as he vowed that his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party will hold to account any member found culpable of the violence.

"Even as we work as a party to ensure we have an election free of violence, I also take this opportunity to apologize to Raila Odinga for what happened to him yesterday, it was really unfortunate and I hope those who engaged in this exercise regret what they did," read part of Ruto's apologies

Already, the CID has arrested 14 people allegedly connected to the violence that saw Raila Odinga's chopper pelted with stones and its windshield destroyed during his visit to Kabenes Uasin Gishu county for Jackson Kibor's burial.

Kapesret MP Oscar Sudi, Caleb Kositany of Soy and Uasin Gishu County Speaker David Kiplagat have been summoned by the DCI to record statements on the same.