Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has distanced himself from claims on social media that he organized youths to heckle former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Kisii.
In a detailed statement, Onyonka said the events in Kisii are regrettable, insisting that violence has never been his way of doing things.
“Violence and chaos have never been my cup of tea for the more than 2 decades that I have actively participated in politics. My constituents can attest to this.
“I discourage political intolerance and call upon our people to act with restraint and soberness in the future,” he said in the statement on X.
The Senator who was accused of planning the heckling alongside other leaders said he is away for work, adding that it is absurd that anyone can link them to the chaos witnessed at Gusii Stadium.
He added that it is also an insult for one to claim that Shabana fans are paid to attend the football club’s matches.
Onyonka, however, said the events at Gusii stadium should also serve as a wake-up call to Raila Odinga on why the people resisted him.
“I am out for work in Mombasa, and my brother Kibagendi is equally out on work commitments. It is ridiculous stupid for anyone to link any of us with what happened in Gusii Stadium.
“It is unreasonably absurd for someone to imagine that an individual can mobilize/pay more than 15,000 passionate football fans to attend a football match, something they have always done relentlessly before without any iota of influence from anyone. Shabana Fans are known worldwide for giving unequivocal support to their team. It is an insult to them for anyone to purport that they get paid to attend matches.”
Raila was treated to a hostile reception at the Gusii Stadium on Sunday, where he had gone to watch a football match.
As soon as the former Prime Minister stood to speak, he was greeted with chants of "Raila must go".
The fans at the stadium sustained the chants, while others staged a walkout.
However, the former PM continued with his speech.
