CS Matiang’i Says Attack On Raila’s Chopper was Planned and Funded

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i says the attack on ODM leader Raila Odinga’s chopper in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County on Friday was planned and funded.  

Initial investigations into the stoning of the helicopter unearthed extensive prior meetings and funding of the incident, he said.

Speaking when he appeared before the Parliamentary Committee on Administration and National Security on Tuesday, Matiang’i said the suspects arrested following the violence were in possession of a lot of money in Sh50 denominations.

“It was planned because we have arrested suspects with a lot of money in Sh50 notes. Clearly, there must have been some choreography behind that because it’s not coincidental that the suspects had so much money in the same denominations, and some of them were distributing it around that particular time,” he added.

The attack occurred as Odinga, who is eyeing the presidency under the Azimio-One Kenya coalition, was leaving the burial of businessman Mzee Jackson Kibor in Soy.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) summoned Soy MP Caleb Kositany, his Kapseret counterpart Oscar Sudi and Uasin Gishu County Assembly Speaker David Kiplagat over the attack.

The DCI noted that preliminary investigations revealed that the chaos was organized and coordinated by the three leaders.

On Monday, an Eldoret court allowed police to hold 17 suspects arrested over the incident for seven more days pending the conclusion of investigations.

The suspects are facing four charges, among them attempted murder and malicious destruction of property.

On Tuesday, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed and his Embakasi East counterpart Babu Owino recorded witness statements with the DCI over the attack.

The two MPs were present during the violence that left the helicopter’s air shield damaged.