Defiant Sudi: I won’t apologise to Uhuru family
Defiant Kapseret Member of Parliament (MP) Oscar Sudi yesterday maintained he will not apologise over his controversial remarks on President Uhuru Kenyatta and his family.
Sudi maintains he is not remorseful even as leaders across the country insisted that he together with Emurua Dikir MP Johanna Ng’eno retract their remarks.
Addressing a news conference yesterday, Sudi who insisted that he did nothing wrong, was also quick to clarify that he was not speaking on behalf of the Deputy President William Ruto as he is old enough to speak his own mind. He said he will not be stopped by anyone.
Contrary to reports that he had gone into hiding after his outburst went viral, Sudi said he has been at his home and even dared the police to arrest and charge him if that is what they want.
“Those who are criticising me are not clean. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has a reputation of disrespecting the President.
Homa Bay Woman Rep Gladys Wanga has no moral authority to lecture me and yet she said derogatory statements against the President before,” said Sudi.
Lawmaker further added that the Jubilee top leadership led by the President and his Deputy are to blame for the unending wrangles in the ruling party.
“They should tell us when they fell out rather than telling us to tone down our language and yet they are our leaders who should be giving our party the right direction. I do not speak for anybody,” he added
His remarks came even as Ruto’s new found allies, former senators Johnstone Muthama and Bony Khalwale came to his Ng’eno’s defense.
The duo said the MPs’ remarks reflect the true feelings of the people they represent.
Emotional exchange
On the other hand, speaking to People Daily, Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen clarified that he was not an inciter, saying that theirs was just an emotional exchange with Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko at the weekend.
“For my entire life, I have never said anything bordering on hate speech neither do I condone violence.
I guard my tongue and choose my words carefully,” he said in response to media reports linking him to hate speech.
Although they were categorical that their remarks do not represent the views of the DP Ruto, the duo dragged in the name of Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga saying his legislators including Babu Owino (Embakasi East), Wanga and Millicent Odhiambo( Suba North) have previously made such derogatory sentiments against the President and Interior cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and were not apprehended.
“What was witnessed from the two legislators might very well be a reflection of the general feeling by Kenyans that the government has been personalised and its not serving their interests.
Let it not be forgotten that MPs are the people’s representatives and if the people feel left out, lawmakers have an obligation to communicate the same,” reads a statement signed by the two.
Other leaders from across the political divide have expressed outrage over the outbursts of the two MPs and insisted that Sudi just like Ng’eno be arrested.
Former Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto said the utterances by the particular ‘errant’ legislators have not only portrayed the Kalenjin community as intolerant, but has also given it a bad name in the face of other regions in the country.
Addressing the press at his Chepalungu residence in Bomet, the Chama Cha Mashinani party leader, however, said as a community, they are sending their apologies to the nation and the family of President Uhuru over the utterances made by Ng’eno and Sudi.
“We want to sincerely apologise to the President’s family and anyone who may have been offended by the remarks by the legislators ” he said.
In Uasin Gishu County, a section of residents demanded for the arrest of Sudi for uttering inflammatory remarks they claim could jeopardise harmony among communities.
Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria and members of Nyakinyua Women Group have demanded that Sudi be reprimanded and asked to retract what they termed as ‘vitriolic’ remarks at Mama Ngina.
Gikaria said the two MPs’ remarks were a threat to national cohesion, which the President has always emphasised on.
“We want politicians from different political dispensations to put aside their differences and ambitions and sit down and reason together for a united country,” he added.
Spokesperson of Nyakinyua Women Group Mary Wangui Nderitu asked Sudi to retract his statements directed at Mama Ngina and apologise.
“It is mandated to push for the prosecution of perpetrators of violence. If there is sufficient evidence against suspects, nothing stops the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) from taking legal action. Peace cannot be obtained by allowing inciters to go on unchecked,” she noted.
Kieni MP Kanini Kega challenged NCIC to take stern action that will act as a warning to all hate mongers.
In Nairobi, City Youth Caucus dismissed the remarks by Sudi and called on the investigative agencies to arrest and charge him in court.
“We will not allow people to continue dividing the country as we remain silent. It’s high time a serious action is taken.
We will not allow our nation to go back where it was in 2007,” said Isaiah Ongocu, a member of the group.
