Deeply grateful: Abbie Zuena recalls how Raila saved her life at Homa Bay rally

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- Abigael Gikonyo has recalled how young men in Homa Bay recognised her as a Raila Odinga supporter and helped her escape the violence

- Gikonyo said she and others sought refuge in a church, where residents prayed with them and kept them calm until a rescue team arrived

- The Homa Bay chaos left at least two people dead initially, including a police officer, with the reported death toll later rising to four

Abigael Gikonyo, popularly known as Abbie Zuena, has recalled a frightening ordeal during the chaotic Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay, saying the legacy of the late Raila Odinga helped save her life.

Gikonyo, a prominent supporter of Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna and a familiar face in the Linda Mwananchi movement, said she survived the violence after young men in Homa Bay recognised her as a supporter of Raila during the 2022 General Election.

She made the revelations while thanking leaders, rescue teams and residents who helped her and others escape the violence that erupted during the movement's rally on Sunday, August 16.

The chaos left at least two people dead, including a police officer, while 54 others were seriously injured, according to police reports cited by The Standard. The death toll later rose to four after another body was discovered in Rachuonyo South.

How did Raila's supporters save Abbie Zuena?

Gikonyo said she was grateful to young men in Homa Bay who, despite the chaos, recognised her political affiliation and allowed her group to move to safety.

“I am deeply grateful to the young men of Homa Bay who allowed us to have a conversation and recognised me as one of Baba's supporters from the last election and literally allowed us to go to safety. Indeed, Baba saved me even as he continues to rest,” she said.

Gikonyo also revealed that she and others found refuge in a church, where members of the congregation stayed with them, prayed with them and helped keep them calm as they waited for rescue.

“I am also grateful to the church that gave us refuge, and to the women and men inside who prayed with us, kept us calm, and stayed with us until we were rescued. Your kindness and courage will forever remain in my heart,” she said.

“Homa Bay showed me violence and love at the same time,” she added.

What happened to Agnetta Mwangale?

Gikonyo said she is safe and recovering from the traumatic experience, while dismissing reports that she had been cut or seriously injured during the violence.

“I am well and doing fine. What we went through was not easy for anyone, and processing everything that happened has needed time,” she said.

“To my family, thank you for remaining calm and strong amidst all the misinformation that was going around. I want to make it clear that I was not cut or harmed at all, and those who participated in using this to cause fear and pain, nimewachia Mungu,” she added.

Abigael also referred to Agneta Mwangale, a Gen Z politician and Bungoma Woman Representative aspirant who has been associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement.

She hinted that Mwangale was with her during the ordeal. Mwangale was also reportedly attacked, and her whereabouts remained unclear through the night before she was found the following morning.

“You are the best person to have experienced this with. Nakupenda ,” Gikonyo told Mwangale.

TUKO.co.ke previously reported that Mwangale was elated after the crowd chanted her name and called on her to address the Linda Mwananchi movement during a previous rally in Bungoma.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.