Kemeloi-Maraba MCA Turfosa Kuto has apologised over her remarks about Sifuna supporters.
The UDA MCA seeks forgiveness after local leaders condemn her comments and NCIC summons her.
Kemeloi-Maraba MCA Turfosa Kuto apologises over remarks perceived as targeting Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s supporters in Nandi County. Her apology follows condemnation from local leaders and a summons from the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC).
Speaking on November 7, the UDA politician said people had misunderstood her comments and taken them out of context. She denied intending to hurt, profile or intimidate any community.
The controversy began after Kuto spoke at a funeral in Nandi. In a video that later circulated widely, she appeared to warn residents against backing Sifuna, who leads the Linda Mwananchi movement.
Her comments suggested that those expressing support for the senator would face removal to Hamisi. Local leaders subsequently condemned the remarks as divisive and unconstitutional.
Kuto apologises and calls for peaceful coexistence
In seeking forgiveness, Kuto said she had not expected her funeral remarks to cause hurt. She also urged residents of Nandi and neighbouring Vihiga to maintain their longstanding peaceful relations.
The MCA denied seeking to encourage division, hatred or violence between communities. Instead, she called for residents to resolve political differences through peaceful, democratic and lawful means.
Meanwhile, county assembly members who criticised her comments stressed that Nandi accommodates people from different communities. They demanded an apology and warned that they would pursue legal action if she failed to offer one.
The NCIC has also summoned Kuto to explain the remarks. Her comments have therefore drawn scrutiny from both fellow county leaders and the national cohesion commission.
