Nominated Jubilee Party MP Maina Kamanda on Friday, November 29, had a tough time addressing a crowd in Kirinyaga County when he appeared to fail to recognise Deputy President William Ruto as a leader elected to deputise President Uhuru Kenyatta.
In an audio that reached Kenyans.co.ke, Kamanda was invited to address the crowd by Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru but things went south quickly as he tried to make his address.
“We were with the president at Sagana lodge and he addressed many important things. As Kirinyaga residents you have many leaders including the president, governor, senator, women rep, MCAs and other leaders...” Kamanda began as the crowd started murmuring.
The crowd cut him short with shouts of “Ruto! Ruto!” filling the air forcing Kamanda to eventually include Ruto in his leader mentions.
However this was not the end of the booing as Kamanda went further to give a speech showering praises on Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, something that didn’t go well with the crowd.
“We have been observing how CS Matiang’i has been loyal to the president. Today he invited me here and I can say without a doubt that he is a man to watch.
“As the Kikuyu community, we can assure you that we are watching you. We always say that wise people take their time to observe and note things from afar. We are watching your steps,” remarked Kamanda.
Kamanda’s words further attracted more booing and chants of “Ruto! Ruto!” in the air as residents shouted Kamanda down ostensibly for his choice of words.
Amidst the chants, Kamanda could be heard accusing political enemies of sending crowds to humiliate him, insisting that the chants would not make him change his stance.
The host governor, Anne Waiguru, took over requesting that the residents give an opportunity to all leaders to express themselves.
Taking to Facebook after the incident, Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria mocked Kamanda accusing him of venturing into unfamiliar territories with an unacceptable message.
“Maina Kamanda has gotten into an unfamiliar bedroom through the wrong side. Kirinyaga is a county you need to tread at a slow pace,”
“However, am very sorry for what befell you. A man of your age and stature deserves more respect,” ironically posted Kuria.
The events took place during a fundraising at Gathuthi-ini Secondary School in Kirinyaga county where Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and PS Karanja Kibicho were in attendance.
Governors present included Nyandarua's Francis Kimemia, Joseph Ole Lenku (Kajiado), Muthomi Njuki (Tharaka Nithi), John Nyagarama (Nyamira), and Mutahi Kahiga (Nyeri).
Others leaders included Cotu secretary-general Francis Atwoli, Woman Reps: Wangui Ngirici, Fatuma Gedi, Gladys Wanga and Kiambu Women representative Gathoni Wamuchomba.
