Bunge La Wananchi defends Senator Abdul Haji over attack by Woman Representative

A grassroot civic movement, Bunge La Wananchi, on Monday, defended Garissa Senator Abdul Haji following accusations by Garissa Woman Representative Edo Udgoon.

The Jeevanjee Gardens-based lobby criticised Edo for writing to the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), urging a probe into the senator's remarks, alleging incitement.

Led by their president, Francis Awino, the lobby dismissed Edo’s claims as malicious, baseless, and reckless.

“It is unfortunate for the Woman Representative to attack Senator Abdul, who is widely recognised for his dedication and commitment to the interests of his constituents,” said Awino.

Comrade Bush, another official of the lobby, termed Edo’s allegations as politically motivated and likely linked to the county’s upcoming gubernatorial contest in the General Election.

“We see political undertones in the Woman Representative’s accusations against Senator Abdul Haji. This appears to be about political supremacy battles, which we know the senator has no interest in,” said Bush.

Edo’s letter to the NCIC accuses Senator Abdul of incitement, citing a video allegedly recorded on November 9 during a rally in Garissa Township.

In the video, Senator Haji reportedly says in Swahili: “Kila wakati tunakaa na amani lakini mara kwa mara tunachokozwa na watu wengine. Ilikuwa kama familia ya Samawathal tulipata msiba wakati vijana wetu wanne walipigwa risasi kinyama... wasita… walipigwa risasi kinyama.”

“Sisi tukakasirika, wamama wakalia na wakati ile nakumbuka tukiwaeleza Samawathal tukuwe na subra… leo wamama yetu wanalia lakini inshallah siku karibu wamama wengine ya watu wengine ya watu ndio watalia…”

This translates to: “We have mostly lived peacefully, but occasionally, other people provoke us. As Samawathal’s family, four… six of our young family members were shot dead mercilessly.

“We were outraged, mothers cried, and we urged Samawathal to be patient. Today, our mothers are crying, but soon, God willing, other people’s mothers will be the ones crying.”

In a letter dated November 11 to the NCIC CEO, Edo argued that the senator’s remarks were intended to incite violence and hatred against certain communities, potentially escalating tensions between ethnic groups in Garissa County.

“These comments are clearly designed to incite violence and hatred, and they have the potential to exacerbate tensions that could lead to serious violence and loss of lives,” she stated.

The Bunge La Wananchi officials defended the senator, asserting that his comments were a response to attacks on certain members of the county. They emphasised that Senator Abdul has consistently championed peace and tolerance in Garissa.

“It is Senator Abdul who has been at the forefront of fostering peace and uniting warring clans in Garissa County,” said Bush.

In a call for reconciliation, the lobby urged leaders from Garissa County to focus on promoting peace rather than engaging in personal attacks.

Edo also claimed that the senator’s remarks violated the ethical conduct required of a leader or state officer as per the Constitution.

“This is to request that you urgently investigate and take appropriate action to hold Senator Abdul Mohammed Haji accountable for his reckless statements, in order to safeguard the precious lives of the people of Garissa County,” Edo wrote.

She has copied the letter to the Ministry of Interior, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.