Controversial Bishop Thomas Wahome of Helicopter Ministries has denied involvement in a purported plot to assassinate former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Denial and Context ¶
This denial follows the circulation of a video clip allegedly showing Wahome, Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko, Businessman Paul Kobia, and musician Jaguar discussing plans to eliminate Raila Odinga due to his perceived disrespect towards President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy, William Ruto.
Bishop Wahome, speaking to the Nairobian Newspaper, termed the clip as malicious and stated he had no reason to plot against Odinga, suggesting that Odinga is "as good as dead politically."
"Nobody wants Raila Odinga dead, least of all me, because he is as good as dead politically. Why would you want to kill someone because of politics when he is not doing very well on that front?"
Wahome further clarified that neither Senator Sonko nor Jaguar made any statements in the clip, and while Kobia expressed an opinion, he believes no one present wanted harm to come to Odinga.
Response to Criticism ¶
Wahome criticized the person who recorded the meeting, calling them a traitor who may have been paid by Raila Odinga to record the conversation maliciously.
When questioned about the choice of meeting location and the company he kept, including individuals known to smoke bhang like Sonko, Wahome deflected, stating he is not in a position to judge others and that his mission is to spread the word regardless of the setting.
"Who am I to judge others? Should I only be friends with church-going people? I can assure you, if my work takes me to a bar, I will go and spread the word,"
Conclusion ¶
The controversy surrounding the alleged assassination plot and Bishop Wahome's denial highlights the complex and often tense political landscape in Kenya, with figures from different backgrounds and professions becoming embroiled in political discussions and allegations.
