Wednesday, February 2, 2022 – Police in Baringo have launched a manhunt for East African Legislative Assembly Member of Parliament (MP), Florence Jematia Sergon.
This is after she was captured on camera threatening to arm locals with AK 47 rifles to fight off bandits after the government of President Uhuru Kenyatta allegedly abandoned them.
Detectives based at Kabarnet have since summoned the lawmaker to record a statement over her remarks which borders on hate speech and incitement.
The area is prone to banditry attacks and scores of people have died in the past months in surprise attacks.
“They (police officers) are properly safeguarded and even have helmets to protect themselves. We are tired of asking for protection,” Jematia, who is allied to Deputy President William Ruto’s UDA, was captured addressing the residents.
Her remarks drew the ire of several politicians who urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to intervene.
“This is an EALA MP inviting citizens in Baringo to buy guns and ammunition. Hon. Jematia has stooped too low. I wish to caution leaders against seeking elective seats by making such reckless statements.
“Let’s work for peace,” West Pokot Senator and Leader of Majority in the Senate, Samuel Poghisio castigated the MP.
Homa Bay Town MP, George Kaluma also condemned the incident, stating that the EALA MP had “taken the joke too far”.
The incident comes barely months after Meru Senator, Mithika Linturi, was arrested for making remarks during a UDA rally in Eldoret that were deemed reckless and insensitive and attracted a backlash from the political elite.