Lamu residents shout down MP at First Lady’s mobile clinic event

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta hands over the key to the 40th Beyond Zero mobile clinic to Lamu Governor Issa Timamy on May 24, 2016. Lamu West MP Julius Ndegwa was jeered by his constituents when he tried to speak at the event. PHOTO | KALUME KAZUNGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP

By  Kalume Kazungu

Reporter

Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

  • The jeering crowd even threatened to walk away if the commissioner insisted to have the MP address them.
  • Mr Ndegwa appeared confused during his speech as the embarrassing drama continued to unfold.
  • The legislator then begun attacking his political rivals whom he accused of stage-managing the whole incident.
  • When the jeering persisted, Mr Ndegwa had to sit down.

Lamu West MP Julius Ndegwa was Tuesday humiliated by his constituents when he was shouted down in front of First Lady Margaret Kenyatta and Governor Issa Timamy.

Mrs Kenyatta was in the county to donate the the 40th mobile clinic in her Beyond Zero campaign.

Hundreds of residents who turned up for the event at Mokowe Secondary School jeered the MP after Governor Issa Timamy handed him the microphone.

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Efforts by County Commissioner Joseph Kanyiri to calm down the crowd were futile.

The jeering crowd even threatened to walk away if the commissioner insisted to have the MP address them.

MP CONFUSED

Mr Ndegwa appeared confused during his speech as the embarrassing drama continued to unfold as the First Lady Margaret Kenyatta watched.

“I want to assure the First Lady that the people of Lamu are one and we shall continue to work with everyone for the good of our people.

“I want to urge you my brothers and sisters [to] have respect. I am still the Member of Parliament for Lamu West Constituency.

“I have every right to speak at such an event if I so wish. Shouting me down before First Lady Margaret Kenyatta is a big and bad embarrassment and also a sign of rudeness,” said Mr Ndegwa.

The legislator then begun attacking his political rivals whom he accused of stage-managing the whole incident.

“This is a very bad show at this moment when we approach the 2017 general elections. Such behaviour can breed unwarranted unrest come 2017 if not stopped.

DISRESPECTFUL AND UNFAIR

“I know people have been paid to do this and that is disrespectful and unfair. Why is it that a mere nominated MCA who stands to speak doesn’t receive the same treatment as me? I am disappointed by your response,” said Mr Ndegwa.

The MP cautioned the youth against being brainwashed by politicians who want to achieve personal and selfish interests as the 2017 election date draws closer.

When the jeering persisted, Mr Ndegwa had to sit down.

The crowd, however, went silent when Governor Timamy took over the microphone and continued to invite other guests who had turned up for the event.

“I beg your pardon, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta. It’s just local politics,” Mr Timamy said.

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