Raila condemns Murkomen for 'un-diplomatic' language against Rwanda

By Peter Ochieng

Azimio La Umoja One Kenya leader, Raila Odinga has condemned Transport and Roads Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen for what he termed as un-diplomatic language against Rwanda.

While appearing on Citizen TV's Monday report show yesterday, Murkomen, the former Elgeyo Marakwet Senator claimed unlike in Kenya, things seem to be moving in the right direction in Rwanda, because the country is under a dictatorial leadership.

In a statement on Tuesday, Odinga said Kenya has now opened another 'war' with Rwanda, courtesy of Murkomen's remarks.

“Yesterday, we opened another war with Rwanda through a Cabinet Secretary using intemperate and un-diplomatic language against this friendly neighbouring member of the East African Community," said Odinga.

"Statecraft and diplomacy require a different and more sophisticated etiquette beyond expensive watches, suits and walking sticks,” he added.

He said Murkomen's remarks really surprised him, going ahead to apologise to Rwandese.

“The coarse language used against the great country and friendly people of Rwanda is most unfortunate. Rwanda is the size of Switzerland and is actually bigger than Singapore. It is not the size that makes nations but the vision and leadership. To our Rwandese brothers and sisters, we apologize on the sins of a regime intoxicated by power and corruption.”

"Rwanda is not like Kenya... Rwanda is an autocracy and there whatever the president says is the law," claimed Murkomen.

"The other day I announced that we want to retest drivers but what happened...people caused chaos, went to court... For every decision you make in this country (Kenya) you must go through a proposal then Parliament then public participation. Then after you go through all the processes you go through the court and that is our country," he added.

Odinga took issue with Murkomen's assertion that Rwanda is a small country that only compares to Kajiado county.