ODM leader Raila Odinga. [Photo/zipo.co.ke]
Nasa presidential candidate Raila Odinga has said he will not apologise over the controversial remarks he made in Kajiado County on Thursday.
Mr Odinga who has been accused of spewing hate speech for urging the Maa community to not to sell off their ancestral property while acknowledging what was lost to them through historical injustices as captured in the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation report, defended his sentiments as truth.
“The TJRC report clearly indicated how these communities would have their historical injustices addressed. Its recommendations have not been implemented during this term,” the ODM leader said in a statement, through Secretary General Agnes Zani.
Zani said Odinga’s statement was made with the social and economic empowerment of the community in mind.
“No amount of twisting words will negate this noble intention. Many other communities including those in the Coast need empowerment, something the Jubilee government has not been able to do,” she said.
Nominated Senator Elizabeth Ongoro has accused the ruling Jubilee party of seeking to sanitise its own reckless remarks by crucifying Odinga.
“The hypocrisy is astounding. Isn’t Duale the very same one who urged his constituents to eject Kambas? Has the Presidency ever taken any action against him despite shouting from the rooftops that they will not stand for hate speech in their ranks?” she asked.