Farah Maalim Rejects Inciting Violence Against Protesters

Dadaab Member of Parliament Farah Maalim has found himself at the center of a heated controversy following the circulation of a video in which he allegedly advocated for violence against youth protesters.

The video, which quickly spread across social media platforms, appears to show Maalim suggesting drastic measures against demonstrators who had breached Parliament Buildings during recent anti-tax protests. In the footage, Maalim is heard making a hypothetical statement about his actions if he were president, saying he would "slaughter" 5,000 protesters daily. These remarks sparked an immediate backlash from the public, with many expressing shock and concern over the inflammatory language used by a public official.

In response to the growing controversy, Maalim held a press conference to address the allegations. He emphatically denied ever calling for harm to come to any Kenyans, asserting that the video had been edited and did not accurately represent his position. The MP highlighted his long-standing commitment to integrity throughout his three-decade political career, emphasizing his consistent principles even when they placed him at odds with prevailing political currents. Despite the controversy, Maalim expressed confidence in his ongoing support from constituents, stating that his popularity on the ground remains strong.

He invited scrutiny of his track record, pointing to his history of principled stances, including his time as an opposition MP in 1992 when many others aligned with the ruling party. The incident has drawn the attention of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), which has summoned Maalim to provide clarity on his comments. Maalim is scheduled to appear before the NCIC on Thursday, July 11. Adding to the MP's challenges, he was recently asked to leave Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort in Mombasa.