Sonko quizzed over ‘acting President’ remarks, records statement with police

Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko has recorded a statement with the police over his ‘acting President’ remarks, after Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko ordered the CID to look into his sentiments on Saturday.

Sonko – who had previously defended the controversial utterance which he made at the burial of Wavinya Ndeti’s husband on Friday, saying he had done no wrong – presented himself at CID headquarters on Sunday night.

Sources at CID headquarters revealed that the outspoken legislator was questioned by authorities over his controversial utterances.

Sonko’s remarks, which were termed “disruptive” by the DPP in his directive addressed to Inspector General of Police, were uttered after mourners jeered him during his address.

“You can’t do that to me. When Raila was talking no one disrupted him. Hapana shika mimi…Taka taka gasia nyinyi. Wasituletee. Kwendeni kabisa huko. (Loosely translated: ‘do not touch me, you are garbage, don’t dare us, get out of here. Get out’.)”

It is then that the Senator made the ‘acting president’ declaration.

“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.”

In a late-night statement to newsrooms on Saturday, the embattled Nairobi Senator stated that the media had taken his remarks out of context.

“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 on behalf of President Uhuru Kenyatta who was on official duty in Togo while his able deputy William Ruto was enroute from France in the same capacity,” he explained.

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 notwithstanding, political leaders have criticised Sonko’s remarks; with National Assembly Majority leader Adan Duale saying they were unconstitutional.

These sentiments were echoed by KANU Secretary General Nick Salat, who went further to term the Jubilee senator’s remarks as treasonous.