National Assembly Minority Whip Junet Mohamed has received backlash for remarks he made during a BBI popularization rally.
During the Saturday event in Turkana County, Junet accused Nominated Senator Isaac Mwaura of using his disability for political mileage.
“Siku hizi tena nimeona anatembea na mtu mwingine ambaye mimi nilikuwa nafikiria ni mlemavu, kumbe yeye ni mzungu ambaye….sasa tunataka katiba ibadilishwe wazungu wote wakuwe kama walemavu…huyu mtu anaitwa Isaac Mwaura, mimi nilikuwa nafikiri yeye ni mlemavu ambaye anafaa asaidiwe, kumbe yeye ni mzungu ambaye ni nyeupe tu…sijui alipaka hii colour ya bleaching ili apate nomination,” said the ODM MP.
The remarks were perceived by the general public as derogatory to both Mwaura and people living with albinism.
Junet has literally stoop too low to an extent of insulting Isaac Mwaura in reference to his skin. What he said is disrespectful and he should apologize immediately. It's not even funny. There is a line that you don't cross no matter what side of the political divide you are.😡
— BRAVIN YURI (@BravinYuri) February 6, 2021
https://twitter.com/IkeOjuok/status/1358120914991403011
https://twitter.com/ItsJacksonKE/status/1358337286056853506
https://twitter.com/hitmanOficiall/status/1358105869335093248
https://twitter.com/abelkirwa/status/1358127010078470144
The National Council of Persons Living With Disabilities has condemned Junet’s remarks. They say that his statement was not only demeaning to those living with albinism, but also to those living with disabilities.
The council is also calling on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission to take stern action on Junet.
The Albinism Society of Kenya has also condemned the MP’s remarks, adding that they undo the gains made in educating the public on albinism.
Tunachukua fursa hii kueneza ujumbe na kuelimisha watu kuhusu Albinism na watu wenye Albinism.
Albinism is a rare genetic condition which affects the pigment in the eyes, hair and skin.#AlbinismKenyaSpeaks #BreakingTheStigmaOfAlbinism pic.twitter.com/OczjpjEUCT
— ALBINISM SOCIETY OF KENYA (@AlbinismSociety) February 7, 2021
Following the backlash the ODM MP has since issued an apology to people born with albinism. However, he does not apologise to Senator Mwaura and instead insists that Mwaura is a political conman.
I want to apologize to people born with albinism. My comments in no way reflects my opinions of them as upstanding citizens of our county. My comments were directed at the rotten character of Isaac Mwaura who exploits his disability for personal gain and incitement of violence
— JUNET MOHAMED, CBS (@JunetMohamed) February 7, 2021
His apology has also elicited various reactions with some expressing some level of understanding for him.
It is all well SC. @DonaldBKipkorir clarified it. It was a mistake which was down to the inability of one being unable to express himself/herself well – a common problem for the average Somali!
— Mohamed Wehliye, MBS (@WehliyeMohamed) February 7, 2021
Thank you for that apology kiongozi. Sometimes crowds drive one crazy and you find yourself making uncomfortable utterances. https://t.co/nG1rqQKe3j
— Kamau N Maurice (@KamauD33) February 7, 2021
While many are still not convinced if his apology is sincere.
This doesn't sound like an apology !!! Honest apologies must not have an excuse! https://t.co/rSuuHL7mMO
— Shikoh Kihika (@Shikohkihika) February 7, 2021
As far as apologies go…this one sucks. https://t.co/vVFJXQCmIp
— Brian K. (@Yenyewe) February 7, 2021
Clearly you don’t know what an apology is. https://t.co/W3qlmcHpaq
— Mimi (@_gentle_spirit) February 7, 2021
https://twitter.com/ohagaohaga/status/1358360244435492872
Interestingly, others believe Junet’s words that Mwaura is indeed not being sincere in his politics.
Isaac Mwaura is a political terrorist & fraudster … Junet was right to call him out for using a disability card in his political shenanigans & subterfuge … He incited Githurai Youth to stone Baba .. His insults of Baba are X-rated .. I have no sympathy for Mwaura.
— Donald B Kipkorir (@DonaldBKipkorir) February 6, 2021
For Mwaura to be respected as the leader of the disabled, he must also respect himself. He rides on the backs of disabled Kenyans to get to parliament then immediately starts following his stomach. Is there a single bill on disability sponsored by him?
HE IS A DISABLED FRAUDSTER!— Mwalimu Dida Kipkoech Kinuthia (@mwalimu_dida) February 7, 2021
I remember saying here that Isaac Mwaura capitalizes on his skin to get nominations under PWDs. That is a fact and it is not about discrimination. Apart from taking photos with few kids who looks like him, what has he done with the nomination to help PWDs? 🤔
— Juma G 🇰🇪 (@jumaf3) February 7, 2021
The vocal Senator has had his own share of troubles with claims of disloyalty coming from his own Jubilee Party.
On Thursday, February 4th, he clashed with the party’s disciplinary committee. He is currently staring at expulsion from his party.
Should Junet offer a proper apology? Do you think Isaac Mwaura is indeed insincere as Junet claims?
Let us know in the comments and keep it C.O.K for more updates.
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