Gaucho In Hospital After Alleged Attack By Armed Goons During Kamukunji Rally

Self-proclaimed Bunge la Mwananchi President Calvince Okoth alias Gaucho on Wednesday, June 28 revealed that he has been admitted to hospital.

Gaucho, who is famous for being a die-hard supporter of Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga, alleged that he was attacked by armed goons during the Kamukunji Rally on Tuesday, June 27.

The Azimio coalition had convened the rally at Kamukunji grounds to seek advice from their supporters and give them the way forward after President William Ruto signed the Finance Act 2023 into law.

Gaucho had revealed that he survived the attack, though incurring serious injuries, noting that he was undergoing treatment.

Calvin Okoth alias Gaucho in a hospital bed on June 28, 2023. /FACEBOOK.GAUCHO CALVINCE OKOTH

"Yesterday (July 27) I was attacked by an unknown group of armed men on my way to the Kamkunji rally but I thank God I was able to escape after sustaining serious injuries. I am currently in the hospital receiving treatment," he wrote on Facebook, sharing photos of him lying on a hospital bed.

During the event that attracted thousands of supporters, the Azimio coalition led by Raila announced that it would embark on its act of civil disobedience in opposition to Ruto, whom the former Prime Minister claimed had ignored their demands over the Finance Bill.

Among the resolutions in the act was for Azimio supporters to embrace tax boycotts by stripping President Ruto of the fuel tax through methods to reduce fuel consumption, including carpooling in journeys.

He also urged matatu owners to increase the carrying capacity of their vehicles by two times and for police to allow them to do so.

"I appeal to matatu owners to support tax boycotts. While observing safety measures, maintain the current fare by doubling the carrying capacity as part of the civil disobedience.

"Our police officers should support our call by allowing matatus to carry above capacity at current costs so that Kenyans can commute," he pleaded during the rally.

The former Prime Minister also tapped into the online space and urged Kenyans on Twitter and TikTok to join him in fighting the Kenya Kwanza government, an appeal he also replicated to Kenyan musicians.

Meanwhile, Gaucho on Wednesday, June 7 declared his support for the Finance Bill at Azimio's expense, continuing a war of words with the opposition over what he termed" unfair treatment" despite being one of the ardent supporters of Raila.

In an interview on TV47, Gaucho disclosed that he was against Azimio's move to reject the controversial Bill, stating that Parliament should pass it so that it teaches Kenyans a lesson ahead of the next general elections.

“Azimio leaders are against the Bill, but I support it fully. When Kenyans suffer due to the bill, they will learn not to make the same mistake next time during elections.

“Kenyans accepted Ruto because he was a man of God and a prophet. Why would they reject his ideas now? Why would we reject a prophet?” he ridiculed.

The outspoken supporter of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga further declared that he was ready to meet President William Ruto for discussions regarding the welfare of youth from poor backgrounds, denying claims that he was a member of Azimio la Umoja Coalition despite actively participating in its demonstrations and protests.

He also steered clear of the Kenya Kwanza coalition, asserting that he was only leading the vulnerable Kenyans and youth. According to him, he worked with Azimio on the basis of a common vision for the people of Kenya but didn't join the coalition officially.

Gaucho furthermore vowed to keep off Azimio demos in the event they are sanctioned citing a lack of appreciation by the Azimio team.

"I really pray to God the bi-partisan talks work. Because if they fail and there is a call for demos again, then I will just wish the Azimio team well going forward," Gaucho recently declared.