Sitishwi Na Moshi Kidogo: Martha Karua Speaks Out After Teargas Explosion at Her Rally in Kisii

Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya coalition presidential running mate Martha Karua has broken her silence after her rally at Gusii Stadium in Kisii ended prematurely on Thursday following a teargas explosion.

Speaking during a campaign rally at Ekerenyo in Nyamira County on Friday, Karua said she will not be intimidated by such incidents, vowing to continue drumming up support for the Azimio coalition to ensure their presidential flagbearer Raila Odinga wins the upcoming elections in round one.

“Jana mliyasikia yale yalionekana kule Gusii Stadium. Mimi sio mtu wa kubabaishwa na moshi kidogo. Na ndio nimerudi hapa Gusii land ndio wajue hawatatuweza na fitina kidogo. Tena hapa ni nyumbani na siwezi fukuzwa nyumbani,” Karua stated.

Karua, who blamed their political opponents for the incident, urged Nyamira residents to rally behind the Raila-led outfit, saying that it has a proper plan for the country.

“The Azimio coalition is peaceful and therefore we are seeking for your votes in a peaceful manner without intending to cause chaos,” she stated.

Josephat Makori, a police officer attached to Kisii central police station, was arrested in connection with the incident and is set to be arraigned in court on Friday. Nyanza Regional Police Commander Karanja Muiruri said the officer was off-duty and had not been deployed at the event.

“Josephat Makori of Kisii Police Station was at the scene in civilian clothes and was not deployed there, is the one who dropped the teargas canister. This was witnessed by members of the public who beat him up accusing him of why he was spoiling their meeting. He was rescued by fellow police officers,” Muiruri told the media on Friday.

Muiruri said the officer will also face internal disciplinary action in line with the National Police Service procedures.