Youth attack ODM convoy in Kiambu

By ERIC WAINAINA

Kiambu, Kenya: An Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) caravan was attacked by youths in Kiambu on Wednesday evening in what the leaders say was a case of political intolerance.

The rally which was in Kiambu to popularise a planned tour by CORD presidential candidate Raila Odinga was stoned at Ndumberi shopping center.

A Range Rover car belonging to businessman Peter Kuguru who is the Central Kenya ODM commissioner had its rear windscreen shattered and its body dented during the incident.

According to Kuguru who was leading the rally, Raila is expected to tour Kiambu which is Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta's turf coming Tuesday to sell his manifestos.

Kuguru said some of their parliamentary aspirants were hit with stones, adding that the damage was estimated at Sh100, 000.

“We had spent the whole day campaigning at Kiambu and Tin'gan'ga but on our way back, we encountered hostility at Ndumberi where youths stoned our convoy,” Kuguru told journalists outside Kiambu police station where they reported the matter.

Though Kiambu is Uhuru's political stronghold, Kuguru said every presidential aspirant is free to campaign every where.

Elizabeth Matere, who is vying for Thika Town parliamentary seat said after the chaos erupted, she alighted from the campaigning trunk and boarded Kuguru's car where the effects of the shatter window almost injured her.

“As I was in the car, I heard a loud bang and when I turned to check what had happened, there were glass pieces face flying all over.

Kiambu OCPD Moses Lumbisia confirmed the incident saying investigations are underway though no arrests have been made.
The incident, they said, will not affect their campaigns in the regions adding that Raila is hopping to get at least 25 percent of the votes.