Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has condemned a deadly attack on a Christmas Market in Magdeburg, Germany, that left five people dead including a nine-year-old.
The incident happened after a car drove into a crowd at a Christmas market in the eastern German city of Magdeburg.
More than 200 people were injured – at least 41 critically – in the attack on Friday evening.
A black BMW SUV ploughed 400 meters through the crowded market in an attack that lasted about three minutes.
“I am deeply shocked and saddened by the senseless attack in Magdeburg, Germany, which has tragically claimed five lives and left over 200 injured,” Raila said in a statement.
“Magdeburg holds a special place in my heart; it’s not just a beautiful city, but also the backdrop to my journey as a Mechanical Engineering student.”
“My thoughts and prayers are with all who have lost loved ones in this heartbreaking event; may they find solace in this season of goodwill and compassion,” Raila said.
Raila said that in times like these, it’s clear that the world would be a safer, more harmonious place if people embraced their differences, fostered tolerance for divergent views, and truly learned to coexist in peace with one another.
“Let us strive for understanding and unity in the face of adversity,”‘ Raila said.
In February this year, Raila held an extensive tour of Otto von Guericke University. Magdeburg where he studied in the formative years of his higher education.
During the trip, Raila visited the Herder Institute in Leipzig where he studied between 1963 and 1964, a visit he said “brought back memories of my high school days.
“I spent part of the day reflecting in Germany at my Alma Mater, Otto Von Guericke University Magdeburg. I visited the Engineering faculty, the Production Technology department, and lecture halls and reminisced in the halls of residence. Grateful for my foundational experiences here,” Raila said on X then.
After Herder Institute, Raila received a scholarship in 1965 that sent him to the Technical College of Magdeburg, which is now part of the Otto Von Guericke University Magdeburg following a merger.
The University now comprises nine faculties and almost 13,800 students and is increasingly becoming a center of education and research.
Raila’s Germany trip came just days after he declared interest in the African Union Commission Chairmanship position on 15 February 2024.
(STAR)
