Raila apologises over 'madoadoa' remarks, says he was misunderstood

In the remarks made during a political rally, Odinga mentioned the term 'Madoadoa' which is considered a hate speech term in Kenya.

However, speaking in Kisumu on Friday hours after he was summoned by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) over the remarks, Odinga said he was taken out of context and his sentiments were not meant to be inciteful or cause political division.

“Tukiwa Wajir candidates wote ambao walikuja walikua ni wa Azimio. Wakasema Wajir ni Azimio zone. Na mimi nikasimama nikatoa pongezi nikasema Wajir ni Azimio zone hakuna madoadoa,” Odinga said.

“Sikumaanisha hatutaki kabila nyingine kule Wajir, kwa hivyo kama kuna mtu yeyote ambaye aliona makosa, namwambia yeye pole sana. Hakuna kabila lingine huko Wajir. Sisi hatuwezi kubagua Mkenya yoyote kwa msingi wa kikabila.”

Odinga clarified his remarks saying he was referring to his political command in the region.

The ODM leader absolved himself of any blame, saying his sentiments cannot be likened to those made by Meru Senator Mithika Linturi who was arrested for using the term 'madoadoa'.

“Madoadoa niliyotumia Wajir ni tofauti sana na ile ya kule Eldoret,manake kule walikua wanasema Mhindi harudi kwao kule Punjam. Lakini mimi nilisema Wajir hakuna chama kingine,” Odinga explained.