ODM Speaks Out: Vocal Politician's Health Update After Nairobi Protest Attack

Catherine Okoth, a nominated Member of the County Assembly (MCA) affiliated with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), sustained severe injuries when she and her driver were attacked by protestors during the anti-finance bill demonstrations.

The incident occurred as they were leaving the Nairobi County Assembly, which had been breached by demonstrators, leading to a tumultuous situation.

On Monday, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna confirmed that Okoth had been swiftly taken to the hospital where she underwent surgery and is currently recuperating.

The vehicle involved in the incident, a Toyota Prado, was identified as belonging to Okoth, who serves as both an MCA and the Chairlady of ODM in Nairobi.

The attack unfolded after protestors infiltrated Parliament grounds, disrupting normal activities and escalating tensions.

Philip Etale, ODM's Communications Director, recounted that protestors targeted Okoth's vehicle as it exited the premises, hurling stones that shattered the windshield and caused the driver to lose control momentarily.

The vehicle veered off the road and into a nearby ditch near the General Post Office (GPO).

Video footage circulating on social media depicted the intensity of the attack, with protestors aggressively damaging the vehicle and reaching inside through broken windows.

The vandalism incurred substantial losses due to the extent of damage inflicted.

Following the assault, emergency services were summoned, and both Okoth and her driver were promptly transported to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) before being transferred to a private hospital for surgical intervention.

Etale clarified that despite the chaotic scene, allegations of the vehicle causing fatal injuries to a protestor were baseless.

He emphasized that while the driver's vision was impaired due to the assault, no one was struck by the vehicle.

Etale expressed dismay over the indiscriminate stoning of vehicles associated with politicians during such protests, underscoring the need for peaceful demonstrations to prevent such incidents from recurring.

Okoth and her driver were subsequently discharged from the hospital and are now recuperating at home, though the ordeal has highlighted ongoing concerns regarding safety and security during public gatherings in Nairobi.