NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 8- A political tsunami has kicked off in Kenya, following remarks attributed to Meru Senator Mithika Linturi, during Deputy President William Ruto’s mega rally in Eldoret.
Politicians allied to DP Ruto on Saturday had a hard time trying to explain what Linturi meant as their counterparts in the opposing factions tore on them.
Bloggers also took a central role in the whole debate, by brutishly advancing the topic on social media- depending on their political affiliation.
What did Linturi say that has raised the political temperatures so much?
“Watu wa Uasin Gishu msicheze na Kenya, na kile na waomba ni kwamba madoa madoa yale mulionayo hapa muweze kuondoa,” reads the remarks, as cited by the DPP in his statement.
Linturi further added that it would be ‘wrong’ for Mt Kenya to ‘fully’ support DP Ruto’s presidential bid but have opposition in his own backyard.
Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji has since ordered Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai to initiate a probe against the legislator and submit the file by January 14.
-What Politicians Are Saying-
Whether blown of context or not, the term madoadoa evokes dark memories of 2007-2008 Post Election Violence, when 1,000 people were killed and 600,000 others internally displaced.
It is on this basis, that the political tsunami has started.
Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui said Linturi’s remarks are “a serious assault to the peace and harmony to communities in Rift Valley.”
“To profile persons on the basis of political or ethnic orientation is regrettable. We condemn the reckless talk and call for prosecution of the Senator. We may have our political differences but peaceful coexistence is key for all. The right to live, work or invest in any part of the country is not a favour from politicians, but a Constitutional right.”
In a quick rejoinder, Kikuyu Member of Parliament Kimani Ichungwah wondered how the Nakuru Governor had fallen for what he termed as “cheap ODM propaganda of twisting what Linturi was saying of MPs from Uasin Gishu and “kagege reasoning”?”
The MP added that, “Truly association can erode. Grow beyond mediocrity. Direct this to your friend and top hate monger Njenga Mungai.”
On his part, Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi accused those who were up in arms over the remarks for failure to comprehend.
“Removing madoadoa simply means voting six-piece for all UDA candidates,” Havi explained.
“Those nimble-footed ODM Twitter minions should stop profiling Senator Mithika Linturi for their failure of comprehension or intentional misrepresentation of what the Senator said in Eldoret today.”
Deputy President William Ruto in a Tweet said UDA, the party he will use to vie for the presidency, believes in peaceful coexistence and “that everyone has the unconditional right to make their own political choices without coercion, threats or intimidation.”
Human Rights Defender Gabriel Dolan said Linturi should be arrested, “immediately for inciting ethnic hatred in Rift Valley.”
Chief Administrative Secretary David Osiany also added his voice on the emotive topic.
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