Raila’s action at Wavinya Ndeti husband funeral was cowardly: Mike Sonko

Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko says he did nothing wrong by referring to himself as “acting president” while addressing mourners at the funeral of the husband of former Kathiani legislator Wavinya Ndeti, which took place at Kinanie, Machakos County on Friday.

In a circular to the press Saturday, Sonko said he is “saddened” by Keriako Tobiko’s move to have him (Sonko) investigated over the controversial remarks.

“Following the allegations, I was bowled over by the declaration by our DPP, my friend Keriako Tobiko, to investigate and question me. I am saddened by the fact that Keriako was reacting to his declaration which was propelled by dubious claims which his office ought to have thoroughly investigated. It’s a shame that the DPP would be influenced to act on such claims,” read Sonko’s post.

“Rais Uhuru is in Togo, DP William Ruto ako France I am number three in command politically and socially. I am now the acting president of the republic of Kenya. All these police officers and vehicles you see are here because I am now the acting President,” he said.

Sonko now says sections of media misreported what transpired at the burial of Prince Henry Dolamu Oduwale, Wavinya Ndeti’s husband.

“I am appalled by news from a section of the press meant to tarnish my name following my obligated duty officially mandated by the office of the President to read his message conveyed to the family and friends of the late Henry Odwale, husband to hon. Wavinya Ndeti. During the funeral ceremony attended by leaders affiliated to both political divides, I received orders from the Office of the President to read the presidential speech who was on official duty in Togo while his able deputy William Ruto was enroute from France in the same capacity.”

Sonko’s behaviour at the funeral compelled Cord leader Raila Odinga, who was present during the service, to leave. But Sonko now says that Raila Odinga’s act of walking out before he (Sonko) could read the president’s speech was cowardly.

“Upon receiving the presidential release, I acted in my capacity as the Presidential representative to read to the leaders, family members and residents in attendance the President’s speech. This seemed to rub the Opposition leaders, to whom I duly respect, the wrong way. A clear act of cowardice and disrespect to the Presidency as they walked out during my time,” read the statement.

Sonko went on to allege that footage from the burial was altered, and this painted him in a negative light.

“I hereby clarify that my utterances were altered in the edited clip to depict my social, political and influence based position as challenging presidency. I uphold my sworn oath to respect the Presidency and urge my fellow political leaders, regardless of their divide, to respect the same. Based on the unreleased footage, it is evident that the allegations were drawn to delineate my character and tarnish my name based on my political inclination,” the circular read further.

“This was further fuelled by the seemingly bitter rivalry between my party JAP and the wrangling CORD detach which was ably represented. I hereby decline to withdraw my statement based on my innocent comments, honesty and loyalty to the CIC Hon. Uhuru M Kenyatta, our able and serving President,” Sonko’s statement read.

The Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko on Saturday, October 15, ordered the police to immediately interrogate Senator Sonko after he allegedly declared himself the acting President of Kenya.

In a memo addressed to Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett, Tobiko quoted videos from various Kenyan television stations terming the Senator’s conduct as “disruptive”.