Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen has apologised to lawyer Miguna Miguna for failing to defend him when the government deported him twice in 2018.
The outspoken lawyer was deported to Canada on allegations he was not a Kenyan, claims which were later dismissed by the High Court as baseless.
Responding to US-based law scholar Prof Makau Mutua who wondered why he has gone mute, Murkomen told Mutua to leave him alone, and instead, concentrate on fighting for Miguna to be allowed to return to the country.
"You keep attacking me. But I wish to let you know that handshake means peace and tranquility. As an ostensible human rights lawyer I want you to focus your energy on bringing Miguna Miguna back home," the Senator tweeted on Saturday.
Reacting to the sentiments, Miguna said Murkomen's acknowledgement that it was his right to be allowed to return to Kenya was 'repentance' for having failed to raise his voice when the Jubilee administration deported him.
Miguna said the Elgeyo Marakwet Senator should first issue an apology for him to be forgiven, and his request to Mutua endorsed.
"He is trying to repent without actually doing so in words. Murkomen, publicly apologize to me, first, then I may forgive you and endorse your correct message to Makau Mutua who has lost any shred of integrity many had believed he had," the exiled lawyer said.
In a quick rejoinder the Senate Majority Leader tweeted: "I apologize on behalf of those who kept silent when you went through through untold suffering. I apologize on behalf of your "friends" who like Judas sold you for 30 pieces of silver and now are absorbed in filling their stomachs at your expense. Pole on behalf of all human rights hypocrites."
On December 14, 2018 High Court Judge Enoch Chacha Mwita ruled Miguna's deportation was unlawful and violation of his rights, and awarded him Sh7 million compensation.
He ordered the State to issue him with a new passport and facilitate his return to the country.