Editor's Review

"I have to be sincere that there were days in the night that I contemplated even quitting."

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has apologised for any acts he committed or omitted that contributed to the current state of the nation.

Speaking in the Senate on Wednesday, July 3, when he moved a motion to allow senators discuss the anti-government protests around the country, the lawmaker disclosed that he had deeply reflected on his own journey.

"As I begin, I wish to personally, not necessarily as the Senator for Kericho County but as a leader and someone whom God has granted the opportunity to serve in a position of responsibility in this country, tender my unreserved apology to the country, either by commission or omission, for everything that I have contributed into getting us into the mess we are in.

"I have reflected deeply over the last few days, looking through my own journey and asking myself serious questions. I tried to put myself in the shoes of ordinary citizens and understand how they feel about me at this moment. I tried to retrace my steps, considering what I could have done better," Cheruiyot stated.

The Kericho senator further intimated that there were nights that he contemplated quitting but maintained that quitting was not the solution at the moment.

Senator Aaron Cheruiyot (middle)

"I have to be sincere that there were days in the night that I contemplated even quitting and saying perhaps other people can do it but this is not the time to quit. Quitting doesn't solve and get us out of the hole we are in," Cheruiyot remarked.

The lawmaker stated that it was not a time to apportion blame, adding that the Senate was intending to pursue any means to heal the country.

On the salary increase by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission, Cheruiyot asserted that the senate must make a resolution to even reject the yearly increment.

The senator argued that the SRC must speak to the nation and explain how public spending on wages and salaries can be reduced, even if it means taking a pay cut.

His remarks came even as the country witnessed widespread protests in the past few weeks, mainly due to the government's tax policies.