An elderly man who whipped the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga during a public rally in Kwale has publicly issued his apologies.
Lengo Karissa Mudzomba, the man who attacked former Prime Minister Raila Odinga during a political rally in 2014, has publicly apologized 11 years after the incident.
Speaking to NTV, the 65-year-old man expressed regret, saying he had long wished to meet Odinga in person to ask for forgiveness but never got the opportunity before the ODM leader’s death.
“I never got the chance to say sorry to Raila Odinga when he was alive, and that will forever haunt me,” Mudzomba said.
The Shocking 2014 Raila Odinga’s Rally Incident
The incident occurred during a Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) rally held in Kwale County.
It had drawn a large crowd, with supporters dancing and enjoying entertainment sessions before political speeches resumed.
As seen in a previous video by The Kenya Times, the crowd was in high spirits when Mudzomba suddenly erupted from the audience.
Armed with his walking stick, he whipped Raila Odinga and then-Governor Salim Mvurya on their backs, catching everyone by surprise.
The unexpected attack immediately disrupted the rally as bodyguards and police officers subdued Mudzomba.
Confusion spread among supporters, who watched in disbelief as the lively event turned chaotic within seconds.
Raila’s Forgiveness and Public Reaction
Mudzomba was arrested two days after the incident and charged in court.
Residents of Kwale defended Mudzomba, claiming the elderly man was mentally unstable and did not fully understand his actions.
Also Read: Meet Raila Odinga’s Aide Who Was with Him Last Moments Before He Collapsed
However, the case took a different turn when Raila Odinga publicly forgave him.
Human rights group Haki Africa helped Mudzomba pay a KSh 2,500 fine, leading to his release.
Many Kenyans commended Raila for promoting peace and restraint instead of retaliation.
Mudzomba’s Regret and Final Message
Reflecting on the incident years later, Mudzomba admitted that the act had haunted him for over a decade.
He said he had hoped to apologize to Raila face-to-face, describing the late leader as a man of vision and humility.
“I know he is now deceased, but I still ask for forgiveness. Raila was a great leader who should be emulated. Even to his family, they should not worry. They are also heroes,” he said.
Also Read: Meet the GSU Officer Who Once Guarded Raila in Prison and Later Became MP
He added that missing the chance to express his remorse personally remains his greatest regret.
Public Reactions
The apology has revived public memories of the 2014 Kwale incident, which remains one of the most dramatic moments in Kenya’s political history.
After the video of the old man apologizing went viral, many Kenyans reacted, saying Raila was such a great leader for forgiving the man, unlike what would have been expected from other leaders.
“And Raila just let him go Scott free! Raila was very reasonable and understanding,” reacted @Ivymakezi.
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