ODM's Director of Communications Philip Etale at the Nairobi Hospital after he was attacked by unknown people. The party has blamed the government for the ordeal. [Photo/nation.co.ke]
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has accused the government of harassing its officers, following the attack on Philip Etale, its Director of Communications.
Etale was on Monday evening attacked by unknown people, who used “highly concentrated pepper spray” on him, leaving him writhing in pain.
He was rushed to the Nairobi Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.
"Last night's ordeal was heartbreaking. At some point, I almost gave up on life. It was so painful and left me asking many questions. I have woken up still in shock and tears rolling down my cheeks, not that I am not a MAN but because of thinking of the motive behind the attack," Etale said on Tuesday.
In a statement signed by party Secretary General Agnes Zani, ODM condemned the attack, saying they will not tolerate harassment of their leaders.
“The ODM Party condemns in the strongest terms the attack that was leveled at Phillip Etale, ODM Communications Director yesterday evening within the precincts of Nairobi city.As a party we are demanding that the government stops the harassment of opposition leaders . Harassment of our leaders shall not be tolerated,” said Dr Zani.
The Nation is reporting that Central Police Station chief Robinson Thuku said they have not received any report on the matter.