Political analyst Mwangi Njui has defended a Chinese company which on Friday landed in controversy after donating foodstuff and beer to residents of Tiaty, Baringo county.
The Ghuanshan International Mining Company delivered bags of maize to the hunger-stricken constituency, and also gave them boxes of canned beer, which is rather uncommon.
Speaking on Saturday, the Nakuru-based analyst said that the Chinese had no bad intentions, adding that their actions resulted from the difference in culture and norms.
According to Njui, the Chinese are used to taking a drink after a meal, and were simply trying to pass that down to Kenyans, not knowing that it would be taken as an insult.
"Wachina na wazungu wamezoea kuteremsha chakula na kinywaji, walitaka tu wale wakazi wa pale pia wapate kinywaji kwa minajili ile ile, tusije tukasema walidharau wakenya," he said.
(The Chinese are used to drinking after having a meal. They were simply trying to treat the area residents to the same. Let this not be taken as an insult on Kenyans).
The commentator was speaking on Radio Sauti Ya Mwananchi's Cheche show on Saturday evening.
However, his remarks were faulted by former Subukia lawmaker and veteran politician Koigi Wa Wamwere who was a fellow panelist in the show.
Wamwere linked the same to the poor leadership in Kenya, saying that the Chinese are taking their despise for Kenyans to the next level, well aware that the government cannot act.
"Wachina kutuletea pombe ni kwa sababu wanajua hatujidhamini. Huku ni kututusi maana wanajua hakuna kitakachofanyika. Hivi majuzi mmoja wao alimuita rais nyani na hakuna kilichofanyika. Wanajua tunahitaji msaada wao," Wamwere said.
(This is an insult. They are doing it to prove a point and to demean us. They are aware that nothing will happen as long as we keep going back to them for aids).
The donation was given in the presence of area MP William Kamket.