Meru Senator, Mithika Linturi on Saturday, January 8, issued a statement over reckless remarks he made during a rally in Eldoret following pressure from the public.
In a statement shared on his social media, Linturi apologised over the statements he made during Deputy President William Ruto's rally at the Eldoret sports club.
While addressing the crowd, he asked the crowd not to vote for leaders who do not support Ruto in the region, terming them as 'madoadoa'.
The remarks did not sit well with the public and political class, who opined that they amounted to incitement, and demanded an apology from the senator. Muturi expressed regret in a drafted apology.
"On further reflection, and upon the advise of my colleagues, I regretfully concede that my choice of words was unfortunate. I therefore apologise, unreservedly, for the discomfort they may have created," the Senator wrote.
"It is true that words like 'madoadoa', whilst otherwise innocent and legitimate expressions, have in certain contacts come to be understood as representing inflammatory intent."
Linturi however noted that his sentiments were exaggerated by to make it sound like hate speech.
"Today, while addressing the UDA rally at Eldoret, I expressed myself using words which in certain context, have acquired sinister political overtones and come to be associated with incitement and hate speech. "
The outspoken senator, who had initially declined to issue an apology, stated that he only used the words to vigorously drum up support for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
His apology came shortly after he was summoned by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC). Linturi was asked to appear before the commission on Wednesday, January 12.
On Saturday, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Noordin Haji, wrote to the Inspector General of Police, Hillary Mutyambai, asking him to investigate Linturi over alleged insightful remarks.
