Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei has welcomed the perspectives of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) party leader, Julius Malema.
The PS shared his sentiments via a tweet on X stating that Malema is welcomed to Kenya again.
Sing’oei emphasized that Kenya being a free and open democratic country welcomes constructive criticism.
“Comrade Julius Malema is welcome to Kenya, a free and open democracy and his perspectives even when not aligned with the Government’s in some respect is valued,” said the PS.
Notably, Sing’oei’s sentiments comes a day after Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua called out Julius Malema for “meddling in Kenya’s internal affairs”.
Gachagua Slams Malema for Attacking Ruto
In his statement, Gachagua dismissed Malema’s criticism of President William Ruto’s administration over broken promises.
Also Read: Gachagua Blasts Malema for Attacking Ruto
The second in command called on Malema to refrain from interfering in Kenya’s politics and focus on the affairs of his country.
Further the deputy president noted that Malema barely knew Kenya and had just arrived from South Africa on the day he made his sentiments.
“He only arrived in the morning and purports to know Kenyan issues more than we do. We want to call on leaders from other countries to instead go to the coast and sunbathe and then fly back. Leave Kenyan issues to us,” the DP said.
Additionally, Gachagua while criticizing Malema cited his recent state visit to South Africa noting that there was power rationing of up to seven hours, yet he did not point it out.
“We never talk about their power issues, because we respect them. He has just arrived here, and he already knows it all. Leave our affairs alone just like we do when we visit,” the DP said.
Cheragei Demands to Foreign Affairs
Contrary to the PS sentiments, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei on Monday, November 13 hit back at the Ministry of Foreign affairs demanding that Malema be banned from coming to Kenya.
The senator called on South Africa’s opposition leader to apologize for his disrespectful remarks towards President William Ruto.
“Mr Malema should stop coming to Kenya and insult our president in fact I want to ask Ministry of Foreign affairs to demand an apology from Julius Malema and to deny him visa from coming to Kenya again,” said Cherargei.
Further the legislator issued a five-day ultimatum for Malema to apologize to not only the people of Kenya but also to President Wiliam Ruto.
“We are giving Malema five days to render a reserved apology to the president and government of Kenya,” said Cheragei.
Also Read: Ruto Told to Listen to Malema Ole Sapit
Malema Criticizes President Ruto
The South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighter party leader arrived in Kenya on Wednesday night of 8th November 2023 for the inauguration of the Pan African Institute at Lukenya University.
During the event, Malema questioned Ruto’s honesty claiming Kenya’s head of state had failed to fulfil the promises he made to Kenyans during the campaign period in 2022.
“I do not know if President Ruto means it because he said so many things, and I cannot locate him these days because the things he said during the election and the things he is doing now are two different things,” said Malema.
