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Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has condemned the attack on supporters of Azimio la Umoja – One coalition party leader Raila Odinga who gathered at the National Archives in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) to celebrate his 79th birthday on Sunday, January 7, 2023.

In a statement on his X account, Kalonzo expressed his dismay at the use of force by the police, labelling it as an act of intimidation and brutality against peaceful supporters of Raila.

“No amount of intimidation and police brutality will stop us from celebrating Rt Hon @RailaOdinga 79th birthday. We hereby condemn in the strongest possible terms, the actions of the massive force of police who lobbied tear gas onto peaceful Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya Coalition supporters who had assembled this afternoon at the landmark Tom Mboya statue to commemorate Raila,” Kalonzo declared

Kalonzo went on to characterize the police response as a “shameful act” and suggested that it reflects the Kenya Kwanza regime’s fear.

Despite the disruption, Kalonzo conveyed birthday wishes to Raila Odinga on behalf of all members of Azimio.

“This is a shameful act that demonstrates the Kenya Kwanza regime’s fear. Happy Birthday, Raila, from all of us in Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya,” Kalonzo stated.

Raila supporters teargassed

The incident occurred as the crowd gathered at the iconic Tom Mboya statue to commemorate Raila’s birthday

The incident, captured in a video circulating on social media, showed celebrants being scattered amidst chaos, with some defiantly shouting, “wacha tuchukue cake” (let us cut the cake).

Philip Etale, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Communications Director, condemned the attack, claiming that the cops also fired live ammunition in the air to disperse the crowd.

“Police in anti-riot gear have attacked peaceful Kenyans outside the National Archives as they were celebrating Raila Odinga’s birthday. They lobbed tear gas canisters and shot live bullets in the air. They were led by OCPD for Central. We can’t tell (whether anyone is injured) because they were just shooting at anyone and everyone on site. The intention was to scuttle the whole thing,” Etale stated.

According to Etale, the citizens had assembled with the simple intention of celebrating Raila Odinga’s birthday joyously and peacefully.

“You know people were just peaceful. The citizens were waiting to cut the cake, celebrate and eat then they went. But the police officers just said they got orders from above.”

Celebrating a birthday in kenya is an offence punishable by teargas#happybirthday #baba#raila pic.twitter.com/SaPknAqFKx

— Hon. Caleb Amisi, MP (@Honcalebamisi) January 7, 2024