17 Arrested Following Raila's Attack in Eldoret

17 suspects have been arrested in connection with Friday’s attack on ODM leader Raila Odinga and his entourage in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.

Police say the suspects were found in possession of cash in Sh50 denominations and mobile phones, which are aiding with forensic analysis.

Odinga, who is the Azimio La Umoja presidential candidate, was attacked by a group of stone-pelting youths at the Kabenes area as he left the burial of businessman Mzee Jackson Kibor.

Some vehicles and a helicopter were damaged during the incident that Odinga termed as politically instigated by his political rivals.

On Saturday, Inspector-General of Police Hilary Mutyambai directed the Rift Valley Regional Police Commander to urgently take decisive action against the perpetrators.

The National Police Service (NPS) in a statement stated that acts of violence targeting political opponents shall not be tolerated.

Deputy President William Ruto apologized to Odinga over the unfortunate incident even as he vowed that his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party will hold to account any member found culpable of the violence.

“I have instructed the party to work with the police so that we can get to the root of what happened yesterday in Eldoret,” Ruto told the press on Saturday.

“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.”