Raila Apologizes over ‘Madoadoa’ Remarks, Says He was Taken Out of Context

ODM leader Raila Odinga has defended himself over the controversial ‘madoadoa’ remarks he made during a rally in Wajir on Wednesday.

Speaking on Friday during his tour of Kisumu County to drum up support for his presidential bid, Odinga refuted claims that his utterances were intended to stir up ethnic hatred, saying he was taken out of context.

Odinga, who is eyeing the presidency under the Azimio La Umoja movement, also apologized to those who were offended by the use of the word ‘madoadoa.’

“I was in Wajir and all the candidates present were from different outfits forming Azimio la Umoja. They said Wajir is an Azimio zone and when I rose to speak, I reaffirmed that indeed Wajir is Azimio zone and there were no madoadoa,” said Raila.

“If there is anyone who did not get me right or has seen any mistake, I want to tell them that I am so sorry. In Azimio, we do not discriminate against any Kenyan because of their tribe.”

Odinga spoke hours after he was summoned by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to shed light on the remarks.

NCIC Chairman Samuel Kobia in a statement said the term “madoadoa” is considered hate speech in the country.

“In his remarks, he mentioned the term ‘Madoadoa’ which is considered a hate speech term in Kenya,” says Kobia.