Lengo Karissa Mudzomba, the man who shocked the country in 2014 when he struck Raila Odinga with a cane during a rally in Kwale, has come forward with a heavy heart following Raila’s death.
He says he has carried the memory of that moment for years and now wants Kenyans and the Odinga family to forgive him.
The incident happened during a political gathering in Kinango. Mudzomba emerged from the crowd and whipped Raila before security officers subdued him.
At the time, he claimed he was driven by frustration and political pressure. He was arrested and later charged, but Raila chose not to pursue the matter further. The case was eventually dropped, and Raila publicly forgave him.
Now, after Raila’s passing, Mudzomba says that forgiveness from a distance never felt complete. He admits he acted out of ignorance and anger, not principle. He regrets never getting the opportunity to speak directly to Raila or apologize in person while he was still alive.
“I know I hurt him and embarrassed many people. I ask his family and all Kenyans to allow me grace. I am truly sorry,” he said.
Mudzomba explains that the incident changed how people viewed him in his community. Some mocked him, others avoided him, and he has lived with that burden ever since.
He says Raila’s death reopened old wounds and reminded him of the mistake he wishes he could undo.
By speaking out now, he hopes the country will see remorse instead of malice, and remember Raila as a man who forgave even when he had every reason not to.
By Newshub