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Oparanya recounts how rowdy youths damaged his car during demos in Busia


Former Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya has condemned an incident which led to the damage of his car during Wednesday’s protests by Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Coalition supporters in Busia County.

According to Mr Oparanya, rowdy youths pelted his car with stones as they were heading to the home of  Matayos MP, Geoffrey Odanga.

“We were heading to Mheshimiwa’s home for some tea but the youth started chasing us while throwing stones at us,” Oparanya said.

Also read: How Raila’s Azimio pulled off ‘devolved’ maandamano across the country

“They have caused a lot of damage. They have broken the windows of my car and also the lights of the car. We had no business. This is home and if I am home, it should be safe,” he said.

Oparanya who has been in the frontline of Azimio la Umoja demos, also faulted the police for assaulting members of the public in the town without any provocation.

“This is very unfair to the public. Those who were just walking peacefully in town unarmed were being beaten by police. People have the right to walk,” he said.

Also read: Raila cancels Kamukunji grounds rally on a day of widespread protests

Oparanya, who is ODM deputy party leader, spoke before Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga cancelled his planned rally at Kamukunji grounds in Nairobi.

Speaking at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation in Nairobi, Mr Odinga said the decision was arrived at after they received intelligence that police planned to use live bullets on civilians during the rally.

“We have witnessed savage attacks on our supporters by police officers who discriminately shot, injured and killed a number of people across the country, including here in Nairobi,” Mr Odinga said.

Also read: Azimio demos rock Gachagua’s backyard