Earlier today in Kisumu former PM Raila Odinga encouraged residents to practice religious and cultural tolerance.
The purported heckling as reported by KTN is a Jubilee propaganda, the photo doing rounds was taken as the former PM was climbing up the stare-case to the podium to address residents. The right hon PM was NOT heckled our ground reporter confirmed!
Here is a Facebook post Silas Chepkeres an aide to Prime Minister Odinga that gives a true account of the events in Kisumu:
Nothing can be further from the truth. Raila Odinga was not heckled in Kisumu as certain media spin-doctors want to portray. Many of our folks did not approve of the Indian statue erected in the street of Kisumu. Much as I fully understand the need for religious tolerance and freedom of religion in Kenya, I personally publicly made my stand know yesterday that I am not for this statue and that authorities should consult and possibly remove it. I have watched the Sikh stress that this was not an idol statue. But I personally reiterate that here is only ONE true GOD to be worshipped. No two ways about this.
Kisumu residents, just like I would if we’re down on the ground, expressed their reservations yesterday and Mr. Odinga flew down last evening, met both the Christian & Hindu religious this morning and here was his message:
“We have decided in our meeting with the Sikhs, the Governor and religious leaders from Kisumu that a procedure be chatted on Monday for removing the statue. I have heard you and have done something about it. I have my mind and will also make a decision following your demands that instead we put up a statue of my father at the Oginga Odinga Street”. This is one leadership quality that makes Raila Odinga stand out and be highly respected even in the midst of his Nyanza Folks- being able to directly engage with the people and LISTEN to them. Take their divergent views. Consult. That is Raila Odinga. To national political propagandists and media frauds that want to spin the contrary, your printed untruths cannot last this afternoon.