Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen on Thursday was on the receiving end after commenting on the video of a Chinese National who referred to Kenyans as monkeys.
Via his social media, the Senate Majority Leader stated that Kenyans were notorious for hurling worse insults at each other.
"I know we are mad with Liu Jiaqi for calling us monkeys. But let’s be honest, how many of us call people worse names because they come from different tribes?
"How many of us hurl obscenities at others coz they hold different opinions? We have many and worse Liu Jiaqis among us," he tweeted.
A section of Kenyans did not agree with the legislator with many arguing that the two scenarios were not comparable.
"I would rather be insulted by a fellow Kenyan than a foreigner in our own land," one user noted.
"We might fight each other as Kenyans, but I promise you this, we shall come together and shake the world when one of us is threatened by foreigners. After colonialism, we said never again," another echoed.
Blogger Robert Alai challenged Murkomen's sentiments noting: "We should never punish criminals because others commit crimes every day? Baba Kip you are a lawyer. Please!"
Another lashed at the senator noting: "You are worse than the Chinese guy senator. Remember your utterances against Raila Odinga and Isaac Ruto during your campaigns?"
Since the emergence of the video, Liu Jiaqi was arrested with the immigration department confirming that they had cancelled his work permit and deported him.
On the other hand, the Chinese Embassy in Kenya clarified that the comments made by the man did not represent the views of the Chinese people.
Spokesperson Zhang Gang further called for the Chinese nationals living and working in Kenya to abide by the laws of the country.
“The Chinese Embassy always requires the Chinese companies and individuals to abide by the local law, stay and work legally in Kenya, making a positive contribution to the friendship and cooperation between China and Kenya,” stated the embassy spokesperson.
