Sotik MP Francis Sigei has apologised to President William Ruto over remarks he made during a rally in Bomet.
His comments appeared to support the opposition’s ‘WANTAM’ slogan, which calls for Ruto to serve only one term.
However, Sigei later clarified that he made a mistake while addressing the crowd. He said he meant to call for Ruto to serve one more term.
Sigei explains his remarks
The Sotik lawmaker said he had already apologised to Ruto over the confusion.
He explained that the excitement at the rally affected his choice of words. According to Sigei, he intended to express his support for Ruto’s re-election.
“Kidogo nilikuwa na shida ambaye siwezi kuitambua hapa. But wakati niliingia, nilijazwa na furaha tele, mpaka maneno ambayo nilitamka ilikuwa tofauti,” he said.
Sigei also explained why his hand gesture appeared different from his spoken words.
“Kwa mikono mimi naonyesha ‘tutam’, lakini kwa matamshi ilikuwa ‘one term’. I meant to say ‘one more term’,” he said.
MP reaffirms support for Ruto
Sigei said he has consistently opposed calls for Ruto to serve only one term.
He noted that he had previously warned his supporters against using the ‘one term’ slogan.
“Mimi nimekuwa mstarini mbele, hata niliwaambia watu ya kwamba sitaki kusikia mtu ambaye anasema ‘one term’,” Sigei said.
He further urged leaders and residents not to allow the incident to overshadow development activities in the region.
According to the MP, Ruto’s visit was a day of celebration for the people of Bomet.
“Leo ilikuwa siku ya amani, hatutaki mambo madogo madogo ije kuharibu mambo ambaye ni makubwa,” he said.
Sigei backs Ruto’s second-term bid
Sigei thanked Ruto for visiting the area and launching development projects.
He also reaffirmed his support for the President’s bid for a second term.
“Sisi watu wa Sotik tunasema President William Ruto aende term ya pili,” he said.
The MP maintained that his earlier ‘one term’ remark was simply a slip of the tongue.
He also addressed people who had celebrated his initial statement, telling them that his political position had not changed.
“Unajua nilisema term ya kwanza, lakini nilikuwa nasema ‘one more term’ kwa kueleza vizuri,” Sigei said.
He added: “Wale ambao walifurahia ile kitu ambayo nilitamka kwa makosa, poleni. Kwa sababu mimi niko kwa ‘two terms’ bila kupinga.”
