Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'Oei has defended South Africa's opposition leader Julius Malema against criticism saying his remarks on the Kenyan government are welcomed.
Korir in a message on the X platform, while reacting to Miguna Miguna criticizing Gachagua, said even though the Kenyan government might disagree with Malema's statements, he is entitled to his opinion.
"Comrade Julius Malema is welcome to Kenya- a free and open democracy- and his perspectives even when not aligned with the Government's- in some respect- is valued," Koriri said.
Gachagua had slammed Malema for attacking President William Ruto's government over unfulfilled promises.
Gachagua said while Kenya has its own issues, South Africa too has theirs, adding that Kenyans have never criticized them.
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"I heard a certain leader from South Africa criticizing the government. He does not even know Kenya. We would like to tell leaders to respect the leaders of the country they are visiting. I was in South Africa and they ration electricity for seven hours but I did not criticise them," Gachagua said.
It was the above remarks that saw Miguna attack Gachagua saying no one blocked him from criticising South Africa.
"You are wrong Gachagua. Why shouldn’t Julius Malema criticize Kenyan leaders when he believes that they are hypocritical? Who stopped you from criticizing the South African leaders when you were there?" Miguna posed.
"Self-censorship and the misguided belief that visitors shouldn’t point out our errors serves the privileged like you but it doesn’t serve the majority of the people for whom Malema spoke. Focus on the message; not on the status of the messenger. Our people deserve better!"
