Raila Odinga has condemned contentious remarks made by Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen that appeared to criticize Rwanda's government.
Murkomen stated on Citizen TV's Monday Report that Kenya should not be compared to Rwanda in terms of growth, claiming that while Nairobi is a democratic nation, Kigali is an autocracy where "whatever the President says is the law."
"Rwanda is not like Kenya... Rwanda is an autocracy and there whatever the President says is the law."
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"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, which is our country," said Murkomen.
Odinga condemned Murkomen's remarks in a statement on Tuesday, accusing the CS of using "intemperate and undiplomatic language" against Rwanda.
“Yesterday, we opened another war with Rwanda through a cabinet secretary using intemperate and undiplomatic language against this friendly neighbouring member of the East African Community. Statecraft and diplomacy require a different and more sophisticated etiquette beyond expensive watches, suits and walking sticks,” said Odinga.
The Azimio leader also disputed Murkomen's claim that Rwanda is a small country comparable to Kajiado County in Kenya, resulting in Kigali's high infrastructure development.
“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.” he added
