Kalonzo Forced to Step in to Save Raila at Athi River Demolitions

Raila Odinga, the head of the One Kenya Alliance Coalition, encountered a significant obstacle in his attempt to gain entry to the disputed East Africa Portland Cement PLC (EAPC PLC) property, marred by distressing demolitions.

Joining him were fellow leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Machakos governor Wavinya Ndeti, Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna, Mavoko MP Patrick Makau, and several others.

Their presence raised allegations of potential interference with the demolitions, which had already caused significant distress among the affected populace.

In charge of the operation at Mavoko was Officer Joseph, who staunchly declared his intent to bar Raila and his team from the site. According to Joseph’s assessment, the assembly’s formation raised suspicions of ulterior motives. This sentiment was voiced in a widely circulated video, where he stated, “The way you have formed yourself up there indicates that something is not right, according to my own assessment.”

Raila endeavored to reassure the officer that their objective was solely to assess the situation and engage with the affected individuals. However, his efforts failed to sway the officer’s resolve. Joseph stood firm, offering two options: hold their meeting elsewhere or await the operation’s completion.

When Sifuna inquired about the timeline for completion, Joseph advised the politicians to revisit the site the following week, though he couldn’t pinpoint the exact date. Faced with a sense of resignation and profound agitation, Kalonzo admonished the police officer.

He cautioned Joseph that his actions could reverberate through his own future and that of his progeny. “Joseph, let me tell you. This might define your future and your children’s future. Just because someone has come and given orders, you follow them unthinkingly. Of course, the president gave such orders,” Kalonzo asserted.

In the face of Kalonzo’s impassioned plea, Joseph remained unmoved. He articulated that he was indifferent to the potential consequences of the resolute stance he had chosen in denying the politicians access to the disputed area.

“There is no problem with that. Just because I am an employee of the government. There was no meeting convened that gave any orders. If there was any meeting, I was not among those in attendance,” the police officer maintained.

This development unfolded against the backdrop of EAPC PLC’s announcement, signaling their readiness to sell a portion of the land that the court had affirmed as belonging to the local community.