Wiper party ousts MP Farah Maalim over alleged remarks on Gen Z protesters

The Wiper Democratic Movement, led by opposition politician Kalonzo Musyoka, has decided to remove Dadaab MP Farah Maalim from his leadership positions over his alleged comments on how to handle Gen Z protesters against the government.

The party's National Executive Council (NEC) announced its decision on Wednesday, stating that the MP, who is its deputy leader, failed to uphold its principles and values.

"The NEC's decision is that Farah Maalim be de-whipped from all committees in Parliament including the Speaker's Panel. The NEC also recommends his expulsion from the party to the National Delegates Convention (NDC) – the supreme organ of the party," it said in a statement.

The NDC will now review and make a decision on the NEC's recommendations.

Full Statement by Secretary General @shakilahAbdalla this afternoon following the National Executive Council (NEC).
"ACTION NOT DIALOGUE"

PL @skmusyoka, Senator @kiiowambua MPs @MulyungiHon, @jessmbalu @MbuiRobert, @StephenMule1, @MakaliMulu@MMawathe @HonKamene@DansonMwashako… pic.twitter.com/eqCyWW2WzI

— The Wiper Democratic Movement (@TheWiperParty) July 10, 2024

In a related development, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned Farah over the alleged remarks about the Gen Z-led demonstrations against the Finance Bill, 2024.

He is expected to appear before the commission on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 11 am at its offices in Nairobi following the summons issued under Section 27 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act No 12 of 2008.

The NCIC is investigating whether his utterances in the Somali language incited feelings of contempt, hatred, hostility, violence, or discrimination, thereby threatening harmonious coexistence between different political groups in Kenya. Such actions, if proven, violate Section 13 (1) (a) of the NCI Act.

The controversy stemmed from an undated video, now widely circulated, in which he appears to issue inflammatory remarks about the young protesters, prompting a demand for his arrest and prosecution. Farah distanced himself from the video, claiming a recording of a book launch in Somalia had been manipulated.

Wiper has also accused the legislator of going against its stance by voting for the Finance Bill, which President William Ruto withdrew after the demonstrations escalated on June 25.