Editor's Review

Mandago questioned why Raila has not been summoned over his recent madoadoa remarks

Azimio la Umoja Presidential candidate Raila Odinga has once again found himself on the spot after his recent Madoadoa remarks made in the Langata constituency were questioned.

This is after Uasin Gishu County Governor Jackson Mandago took law enforcers into task over Raila Odinga's controversial remarks.

Speaking on Friday, June 10, during the security committee meeting with Elders and other peace actors at Chebororwa ATC in Uasin Gishu county, Governor Mandago accused security agencies and law enforcers of allegedly being biased in their operations.

While recounting how he was recently summoned to appear before the Regional Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) headquarters in Nakuru over allegations of training militia in Uasin Gishu, Mandago wondered why Raila Odinga had not been summoned despite his controversial "Madoadoa" remarks in Langata constituency.

Governor Jackson Mandago speaking when he joined Uasin Gishu elders for peace and members of the security committee at the Chebororwa ATC on Friday, June 10. Photo: Courtesy

Mandago accused state and security agencies of favoritism when it comes to curbing hate speech in the country, saying Meru Senator Mithika Linturi was arrested immediately after he used the Madoadoa remarks but no action has been taken against the ODM chief so far.

"We want justice and fairness. We don't want a scenario where some candidates are being treated more special than others, where they can commit all kinds of mongers, hate and fear in the country and still walk free. We should not allow such kinds of talks. I have been called recently to record statements over non-issues and yet some people have not been summoned," said Mandago.

"Raila was recently in Kibera and the main reason we say you have favoritism is that Raila said they want to get rid of madoadoa in Kibra. You are the same people who arrested Linturi here at night when he said the same while in Eldoret but have gone silent on Raila," added Mandago.


He, however, maintained that his administration will advocate for peace in Uasin Gishu and that the administration of justice should be applied in strict adherence to the electoral code of conduct during this political period as prescribed by the Kenyan constitution of 2010.

This was after Raila while on Azimio la Umoja campaigns in Langata constituency, called on the locals to ensure they get rid of 'madoadoa, saying they should elect only Azimio leaders.

“Hapa Lang’ata mara ile engine tulipata madoadoa hapa. Sitaki kuona hii! (we voted in madoadoa the other time in Langata, we don't want that this time round)" said Raila.

However, his remarks met mixed reactions on the online platforms. The madoadoa remarks were recently termed as a hate speech and politicians were urged not to use it. It was seen as an inciting term that could raise violence among people of different communities.