Nairobi speaker breaks silence over viral clip, I didn’t mean to disparage anyone!
The leadership of the Nairobi County Assembly has come out to defend the name of its speaker, Kennedy Ng’ondi, following a viral clip that went viral on social media.
In a press briefing at the county assembly premises on Wednesday, April 17, the leaders, who were joined by a number of MCAs from both Azimio and Kenya Kwanza, said the people behind the circulation of the said video had ill motives.
They said the video was recorded in November 2022 during a birthday surprise party for the leader.
Mr Ng’ondi said he had no interest in denigrating the Muslim MCA who is seen in the video forcing her to shake hands.
“I wish to state that the incident at my surprise birthday party hosted by women leaders in November 2022 was taken out of context and that the occurrence of the eventful day was never meant to disparage anyone,” Mr Ng’ondi said.
He added that he had reached out to the family of the member in question and they’d settled the matter.
The Leader of the Majority in the Assembly, Mr Peter Imwatok, said the Speaker was disturbed by the video as well as the MCA, whom he described as a vibrant member who contributes to the mandate of the Assembly through robust debate and contributions.
“The Honourable Speaker respects all women and is revered by the Islamic fraternity as evidenced by his immediate staff where his personal assistant is a Muslim woman. Besides, he has also nominated another Muslim MCA to serve in the Speaker’s panel,” Imwatok said.
According to Imwatok, a ring of blackmailers has decided to use the clip to blackmail the Speaker.
“However, the matter has been taken up by the Powers and Privileges Committee which will conduct its investigations and take action against those found culpable.”
Minority leader Anthony Kiragu was also present and called for respect for the leadership of the Assembly.
The said female member was not present during the speech.
Earlier, the Association of Muslim Lawyers condemned the speaker’s contact and called on the police to investigate the matter.