ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has issued an apology over sentiments he made while campaigning in Msambweni on December 11, 2020.
Sifuna and Malindi Member of Parliament Aisha Jumwa were summoned by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) on December 16, 2020, after they had exchanged reckless utterances.
While addressing the media on Monday, December 21, the ODM Secretary-General recanted his remarks, urging those offended by his utterances to forgive him.
"I want the people who know me to understand that this is not what Sifuna is about, and definitely this is not what the ODM party is about. My remarks were unnecessarily graphic. Even following the discussions that we have seen in the country, I could come up with a thousand and one ways to communicate what I wanted to in a better manner," Sifuna stated.
"As you know am a lawyer and I would never advocate for sexual violence. It is the worst form of violence against anyone even in political competitions. So those remarks are regrettable.
"I hope that the people who know that is not what I am about, will understand and accept the apology I have just given," he added.
Sifuna further offered to offer free legal services to members of the public involved in cases of gender-based violence as a way of making up for his utterances.
"I have recorded my statement with NCIC Kenya this morning during which I offered an unreserved apology to all those offended by my language. I have also offered to undertake 50 hrs probono legal services to victims of gender-based violence in 2021," Sifuna tweeted.
NCIC had summoned the two leaders stating that their words might have affected the harmonious coexistence between communities.
"NCIC strongly condemns the reckless utterances made by the ODM SG Hon. Edwin Sifuna as well as Hon. Aisha Jumwa during the Msambweni by-election campaigns. The Commission has commenced investigations. We urge Kenyans to exercise tolerance and allow the law to take its cause," NCIC put out in a statement.
