This archive report was first published on 19 August 2019.
November 19, 2017
Kenyan Report Correspondent
On November 19, 2017, Hon. Raila Odinga's car was fired at during a visit to the US, leaving witnesses and the public stunned.
According to Winnie Odinga, Hon. Raila's daughter, who was in the car at the time, the attack began with a tear gas canister hitting the vehicle, followed by hand-thrown canisters and at least half a dozen gunshots.
"It came of the blue, this huge blast of a tear gas canister hitting the car from one of those weaponized throwers you have seen in videos," Winnie Odinga recounted. "That was immediately followed by other hand thrown canisters hurled at the car, and at least half a dozen gun shots that hit the car all around us, of the kind you associate with AK47s. I just could not believe that the PM's car was actually coming under fire in broad daylight with scores of witnesses looking on."
Winnie Odinga further stated that the most frightening moment was when a bullet hit the windscreen and shattered it, and that two bullets also hit the car on the side she was sitting.
Despite Winnie Odinga's account, the police have maintained that no bullets were used in the attack, contradicting the evidence presented by witnesses and the damage to the car.
Police action during Raila Odinga's welcome home rally was a direct attempt at Hon. Raila Odinga's life, highlighting the need for police reforms that uphold the rule of law and exercise their independence without interference from the executive.
