ODM leader Raila Odinga. [Photo/ Mpasho]
Kenyans from all over the country have roundly condemned NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga’s hate remarks, but the ODM leader is yet to apologize for the inflammatory speech. Odinga is under fire for asking the Maasai community in Kajiado to stop selling land to other Kenyans, saying the other tribes were invading the county. A number of government institutions, such as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions and the National Cohesion and integration Commission (NCIC) are now investigating Raila Odinga over the hate speech. The ODM leader, being a key player in the disputed 2007 presidential election, knows what incitement to violence can cause. When he disputed the election results and called for mass action, more than 1,000 people were killed and over 600,000 were displaced from their homes. In return, he got the prime minister’s position. Kenyans have now grown wiser to reject any leader urging them to turn against each other. But for the few remaining politicians driving a wedge between Kenyans, the law must take its course. Raila should be made to face the full force of the law for his hate remarks. Instead of being defensive, Raila must admit that he made a huge mistake and ask Kenyans to forgive him. But since actions have consequences, he should not expect to walk away freely. I urge him to step down from being NASA’s presidential flag bearer. That is the only honourable thing left for him to do. NASA can pick other candidates to face UhuRuto in the August 8 general election. NASA No politician seeking to be president call for division of Kenyans. After Raila remarks, some hate leaflets have been spread in parts of Kajiado, calling on members of other communities settled in the county to leave. This is purely on the former prime minister. He must take responsibility.