African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson candidate Raila Odinga has sent a message of condolence to the families who lost their loved ones after a car drove into a crowd of people at a busy Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany.

At least five people, including a nine-year-old child, were killed and more than 200 injured during the Friday, December 20 evening incident, with the death toll expected to rise.

According to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, nearly 40 of those were “so seriously injured that we must be very worried about them”.

“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 on his X, formerly Twitter, handle.

The former Prime Minister says that Magdeburg holds a special place in his 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.

“In times like these, it’s clear that our world would be a safer, more harmonious place if we could embrace our differences, foster tolerance for divergent views, and truly learn to coexist in peace with one another. Let us strive for understanding and unity in the face of adversity,” he notes.

Regional Government Spokesperson Matthias Schuppe and Magdeburg City Spokesperson Michael Reif said they suspected the attack was deliberate. However, it is not yet known if it was terror related.

The driver of the car, 50-year-old Saudi refugee Taleb al-Abdulmohsen who arrived in Germany in 2006, has since been arrested. Authorities say Abdulmohsen is a former Muslim who renounced his faith and became increasingly anti-Islam.

Police found a suspected explosive device inside the black BMW which was used in the attack.