Arrest Raila for madoadoa remarks, say Kenya Kwanza leaders

Kenya Kwanza leaders want ODM leader Raila Odinga arrested over his ‘madoadoa’ remarks he made in Wajir county Wednesday.

 The leaders called on DCI and NCIC to ensure action is taken against him and have him charged for hate speech the same way Meru Senator Mithika Linturi was arrested.

The leaders were led by UDA chairman Johnston Muthama, Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki, Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa, Khatib Mwashetani (Lungalunga), Omar Boga (Msambweni) and their Matuga counterpart Kassim Tandaza

They made the remarks during the second-day tour of the Coast at Gede in Kilifi North constituency, Kilifi county, on Thursday.

On Wednesday while campaigning for Azimio la Umoja in Wajir county, Raial urged the residents not to vote ‘madoadoa’.

According to the Kenya Kwanza leaders, it is such remarks that landed Linthuri in trouble.

Odinga said: “As my soldiers, you must be armed and have ammunition. By that I mean you need to have a voter’s card and a National Identity Card. Therefore, we want you to elect Azimio candidates. We don’t want madoadoa (spots).”

Muthama claimed Raila’s statements were aimed at causing violence. 

He said it is unfortunate that only people affiliated to a certain political wing are the ones targeted, but others were left to walk scot-free.

On his part, Kindiki said Raila must be arrested and charged over his madoadoa remarks to prevent a perception that the government is applying the law selectively.

Kindiki said their colleague was arrested the same day he made the remarks and spent the night in a police station in Nakuru but since Raila spoke nothing has happened.

He said despite an apology from Linturi and Deputy President William Ruto, the government agencies still went ahead to arrest him. 

Jumwa said what Raila did on Wednesday was supposed to be taken with the seriousness it deserves. 

(edited by Amol Awuor)