NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 9 – Political leaders were united Sunday in condemning Meru Senator Mithika Linturi’s remarks which authorities said border on hate speech when he urged locals to remove people not supportive of Deputy President William Ruto’s bid, while using the term “madoadoa” which means spots.
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Raila Odinga has condemned political intolerance in the country saying leaders should avoid ethnic profiling and preach peace.
Odinga urged Kenyans to maintain peace before, during and after the August polls to avoid what happened in 2007-2008 when hundreds were killed, and thousands displaced in the worst post-election violence in the country.
“We have IDPs, in various parts of this country due to political violence. We do not want to go back there. Let us maintain peace and urge every person regardless of which political party they belong to or who they support to preach peace,” Odinga said.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka said, “People must stop beating the war drums again and allow this country to move forward.”
Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja called on leaders to choose their words wisely during political rallies and remember they only have one Kenya which should be protected at all cost
“We know what time we are in as a country, but we want to reiterate and urge our colleagues that they must remember that this country is the only country we have. There is no Kenya B and therefore they must not be excited while addressing issues while seeking votes. We must keep Kenya as one,” said Sakaja.
Archbishop Muheria urges leaders to preach peace and shun hate speech
Former Gatanga Member of Parliament Peter Kenneth said leaders are responsible for preaching peace in the country not division.
In a statement, Kenneth said Linturi’s utterances at a time when Kenyans are preparing for August polls can only be understood as intended to intimidate voters from making their free choice.
“The history of such threats is clear to the minds of many Kenyans who remember the political violence that rocked the country in the lead up to the 1992 and 1997 elections that was meant to scare away voters in order to shape the outcome of the elections,” he said
He further pointed out that it is not enough to say that leaders must refrain from such utterances, but they must also be held accountable.
“The history and political potency of the word “madoadoa” is well understood. It underlies the targeting of people from certain communities in the Rift Valley specifically for the kind of political agenda that Senator Linturi was promoting. In fact, it is such statements that led to the unfortunate massacre of people in the Kiambaa Church on 1st January 2008, not very far from where Senator Linturi was speaking. To claim ignorance of such important matters cannot be allowed as a refuge,” Kenneth said.
Nyeri leaders Kanini Kega (Kieni MP), Ephrahim Maina Senator and Wambugu Ngunjiri (Nyeri Town MP) have also said Linturi’s remarks were reckless and want tough action on him.
Linturi who was arrested on Saturday night has since clarified that he meant that leaders who do not support Ruto should not be voted in.
Linturi: What I meant on Madoadoa in Eldoret, Ruto, Azimio, UDA
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