Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has defended his recent
remarks on the alleged torture of Kenyans in Uganda and Tanzania, saying his
statement was meant as a cautionary message.
Cherargei maintained that his comments were made in good
faith and aimed at protecting the interests of Kenyans living or working in
neighbouring countries.
“It was a cautionary statement, and as a leader, I am well
aware of that statement. It remains as is and it was made in good faith,” the
senator said.
Cherargei explained that his remarks were directed at what
he termed “busybody activists” who, according to him, were misrepresenting his
position.
“As a leader, I was just advising our busybody activists to
keep off, but the rest of Kenyans doing business, those studying or married, or
going to marry abroad, have nothing to fear,” he said.
The senator’s comments come after widespread criticism
following his earlier claims that Kenyans were being mistreated in Uganda and
Tanzania.
His initial remarks sparked debate across social media and
drew reactions from civil society groups, who accused him of making
inflammatory statements that could strain diplomatic relations.
However, Cherargei has since clarified that he did not
intend to incite tension between Kenya and its East African neighbours.
Following the recent protests in Tanzania, Cherargei called
on Presidents Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Samia Suluhu of Tanzania to act
against Kenyan activists whom he said were exporting “bad manners” by
interfering in the domestic politics of neighbouring states.
He said Kenyans enjoy close social and economic ties across
the East African Community through education, business, marriage, and work but
stressed there is no agreement to export political activism.
“The Kenyan activists who export ‘bad manners’ of
interference with the local politics to our neighbouring countries must stop
immediately,” he said.
Cherargei appealed directly to the two heads of states
saying those who meddle in their internal political affairs must be punished
and sent back home.
“I want to ask Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and his
Tanzanian counterpart, Samia Suluhu: if you get any busybody activists who want
to destabilise the sovereignty, peace, and tranquility of your country, finya
hao warudishe nyumbani tuwamalizie,” he said.
The senator said that while citizens of EAC partner states
freely interact and mix, that does not extend to an agreement on political
federation or political interference.
His sentiments come amid growing debate in the region about
the role of activists and cross-border political campaigns.
Cherargei urged neighbouring governments to protect their
sovereignty and maintain peace by dealing decisively with external actors
perceived as meddling.
