We are sorry Mr President, Ababu Namwamba says

ODM Secretary General Ababu Namwamba. (Photo:File/Standard)

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has condemned the heckling and hooliganism exhibited by youths during the burial of Fidel Odinga in Bondo on Saturday.

During the funeral service, youths heckled Defence Cabinet Secretary Rachel Omamo as she read President Uhuru Kenyatta's condolence message.

Monday, ODM Secretary General Ababu Namwamba said it was not right for the youths to heckle Omamo yet the Government through President Kenyatta supported them fully in the late Fidel's funeral. "It is unacceptable and out of order to heckle any person. As a party we condemn the incident," he said.

Speaking in his Budalang'i constituency Monday, Namwamba said the incident was a great shame to the ODM fraternity especially at the funeral of Fidel who loved and made friendship with every Kenyan regardless of political or tribal affiliations.

Peace ambassador

"I apologise to the president and all Kenyans on behalf of the party, it was unfortunate that it happened in the funeral of our brother Fidel who loved everyone and was an ambassador of peace and unity," he said.

He said ODM was not responsible for hooliganism.

"The President unveiled full Government support to the Odinga family. He offered material support and also visited the family to condole with them. It was unfair for the youths not to listen to his speech," he said.

The Budalang'i legislator said Fidel's funeral had given them an opportunity to heal the country, adding that Kenyans should emulate Fidel and embrace one another despite having political and tribal differences.