Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala has apologised to Kenyans a day after he told his critics to "go-to-hell".
He made the statement while in Mombasa on Monday as he responded to calls that he should resign after the death of 11 black Rhinos at Tsavo East National Park, eliciting angry reactions from Kenyans who demanded him to apologise.
The CS said "I was appointed by Uhuru Kenyatta and nobody else. I will not resign and those calling for my resignation can go to hell!”
Balala dissolved the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Board, chaired by Dr Richard Leakey after death of the rhinos, eliciting criticism.
However, when he appeared before the National Assembly Environmental Committee over the rhinos death issue, Balala told MPs that he was emotional when he made the "go to hell" remarks.
Chaired by Kareke Mbiuki, MPs told Balala that his comments were irresponsible given the post he holds in government.
"As a human being I have emotions but I have a lot of respect to Kenyans and I regret and apologise over the remarks," said Balala on Tuesday.
Balala also regretted dragging the president's name into the matter which later that sparked national outrage with Kenyans attacking him on social media.
"The country is on fire over the remarks you made and in as much as we have freedom of speech, we must be sensitive," said the chairman.
"It's unfortunate that I dragged the name of the President in the process of the outbursts. As much as I'm answerable to the appointing authority, I do that through the people of Kenyans who give power," he added.
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