ODM Party leader Raila Odinga came out to staunchly defend embattled Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina over his controversial remarks.
Speaking in Murang’a during the burial of Senator Irungu Kang’ata’s father on Monday, February 24, Raila made it clear that Ledama was well within his democratic rights to express issues that affected his county, adding that castigating him for that was a low blow and shortsighted.
The former Prime Minister used his popular fables to explain the reason behind formulating the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), was to allow Kenyans from all walks of life to air their grievances in a bid to find a lasting solution.
"Watu wanasema wakenya wanatusiana na wanaeneza ukabila hakuna! (People are saying that Kenyans are insulting each other on tribal lines) This is how we can build a strong foundation for democracy,
"Maanake wewe wakati unazuia huyo mtu aseme, anabaki na chuki ndani yake, muache akohoe tutatafta dawa yake (when you try to stop him from saying what is really on his mind, the hate within him remains. Let us allow him to air it all out and we can then be able to find a sustainable remedy).
Reacting to Deputy President William Ruto's remarks that the Narok BBI rally was aimed at balkanizing the country ethnically, Raila vehemently denied the allegations, adding that they simply wanted all Kenyans to exercise their democratic right to air out issues affecting their society.
"Tunataka Kenya, waache Wakenya wote wakohoe watoe makamasi yote (we are pushing for a new Kenya where its citizens can be allowed to speak on issues that affect them, however controversial).
The vocal senator was on Tuesday, February 25, arrested on his way out of Royal Media Services after an interview.
He is facing allegations of hate speech over his remarks on Citizen TV's JK Live show that were deemed to be divisive.
During his arrest, he insisted that contrary to the assertions of those witnessing his arrest, he was not cowed by the arrest.
Despite condemnation from various quarters, including from journalists, politicians, and Kenyans in general, Ole Kina has continuously insisted that there were ills in his society that he was fit to address.
"I am involved in a quest for integrity, truth, and decency guided by a deep traditional and modern spiritual fortitude for the Maa Nation. Those being displaced from their lands/territories by avarice have a voice.
"This is their voice. Let’s all be equal. We are children of one God," he posted on his social media platforms on Tuesday hours before his arrest.
BREAKING: Narok Senator Ledama Olekina arrested as he left Royal Media Services studios over incitement allegations. pic.twitter.com/RxgFRT6DFV
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) February 25, 2020
