Amount Raila Spent In Repair of His Damaged Bullet-Proof Car

Raila Odinga, as both the Azimio Principal and Opposition leader, has consistently remained a significant force in Kenyan politics, challenging the authority of various presidents, except for the country’s founding father, the late Jomo Kenyatta. 

Despite experiencing defeat in five presidential elections, Raila has consistently found ways to stay relevant in Kenyan politics. One of his enduring strategies has been to call for demonstrations, providing a platform for oppressed Kenyans to have their voices heard.

Unfortunately, some of these demonstrations have resulted in confrontations between the police and protestors, injuries, and even loss of life. Raila himself has not been exempt from the risks associated with these protests.

Since the 2022 general election, in which President William Ruto emerged victorious, Raila has organissed several demonstrations to contest the results. Regrettably, these protests have led to casualties and injuries.

Raila has also claimed that he has been targeted during these demonstrations, citing incidents where his vehicles were vandalized by police officers attempting to suppress the protests.

During the Saba Saba countrywide demonstrations on Friday, July 7, his car was reportedly once again shot at by the police.

The luxury vehicle used by the former Prime Minister had dents on the side allegedly from live bullets shot by police officers. It also had a hole in the rear windshield.

Raila while addressing journalists at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation (JOOF) accused the police of attempting to take his life.

“We were trying to get to the KICC and they blocked our way. They were also shooting in our direction,” Raila stated.

One of the major talking points from the Friday protests was how much Raila spends to repair his vehicles considering that at least one vehicle in his convoy is vandalized in the protests.

According to Geoffrey Gitau with Yaya Mechanics who spoke to the media on Saturday, July 8, the cost of repair depends on the impact, size, and model of the car. Another factor that informs the cost of repairs is how deep the bullet is lodged in the car’s interior.

Gitau further emphasised that the removal of bullets from the car seats necessitates their repair.

“It depends on the level of penetration and the components the bullet went through like the electrical component that enables window rolling and speakers and whether the window base was shattered,” Gitau said.

According to other car experts, bullet holes in a car are essentially similar to any other holes in terms of their impact and repair requirements. The key factor determining the repair process is the size of the hole. To address bullet holes effectively, experts recommend utilizing a body filler kit.

“Repairing bullet holes in your car is somewhat similar to fixing any other kinds of holes and minor dents in a vehicle. The basic steps are applying filler, shaping, smoothing, priming, and painting,”

“It’s not that difficult and would cost you next to nothing compared to taking it to an auto shop to be fixed,” reads a post shared on Road Sumo, a publication run by a group of American vehicle maintenance enthusiasts.