Junet Sets Record Straight on His ‘Baba Akishinda Serikali ni ya watu wa Nyanza’ Remarks

Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohammed has claimed that his recent “Baba akishinda Serikali ni ya watu wa Nyanza” remarks were taken out of context, arguing that he did not mean there will be exclusion in ODM Leader Raila Odinga’s government.

Speaking during a recent event in Nyamira County, Junet noted that if Raila wins the 2022 Presidential election, the government will be for the Nyanza people.

According to Junet, the Nyanza region has suffered for many years; therefore, a Raila win will be like redemption for the region.

“If Raila wins the government will be owned by the people of Nyanza. I don't want this to get to the media, Mutahi Kagwe will be upset. Though even you and your people have enjoyed power for more than 20 years, this round the government is for Nyanza locals. Mutahi you will soon come back here as a visitor,” Junet said.

Junet’s remarks elicited backlash online, with many criticizing him for contravening Odinga, who has been traversing the country campaigning on the unity and inclusivity agenda.

File image of Suna East MP JUnet Mohammed. [Photo: Courtesy]

Speaking during an interview with Citizen TV on Monday night, Junet noted that his remarks were misinterpreted and taken out of context.

Junet noted that if Odinga wins, his government will be all inclusive as has been depicted under the Azimio la Umoja initiative.

What I said in Nyamira has totally been blown out of context, been misinterpreted, misreported, misdirected…Campaigns are local I was addressing the Gusii community that this time as people of Nyanza, we have an opportunity to lead. My statement was not based on excluding anyone, that is not our nature, if I’m a minority in Nyanza and I’m included, how can exclude people from outside,” he said.

He further noted that he was trying to excite and marshal the Nyanza region to rally together and vote as a block for Odinga.

“I was trying to excite the people, tell them that we need to be together this time so that our numbers can be formidable as Nyanza…I was speaking in Gusii land, not even in Luoland,” he added.