Kitui South Member of Parliament (MP) Rachael Nyamai has set the record straight over claims of her and other leaders criticizing the donation by First Daughter Charlene Ruto through the Zero Barefoot Campaign.
In a statement on Wednesday June 5, 2024, the legislator distanced herself from the claims that had been published in an article by Nation which reported that the parliamentarian and other leaders from Kitui had ridiculed the donation.
The article claimed that the leaders had ridiculed the donation saying that the shoes which Charlene Ruto had donated were oversized and of poor quality.
However, the Parliamentarian flagged the article as inaccurate and false adding that it was malicious to her as a ranking leader.
“My attention has been drawn to an erroneous and reputation damaging article published on page 10 of today’s Daily Nation, alleging that I do not support the initiative by Charlene Ruto for the distribution of shoes to needy children in Kitui County.
I take great exception in publication of the said inaccurate and false article attributing my name to the alleged narrative, which I not only find to be malicious but also offensive to me as an individual and as a ranking leader in the County,” read part of the statement.
MP Rachael Nyamai Sets Record Straight
According to the lawmaker, at no point during the event cited in the article and attended by Charlene at Itumba Primary School in Mutha Ward, or anywhere else for that matter did she discredit or complain about her noble undertaking of distributing shoes to needy children in the County.
Also Read: Charlene Ruto Speaks on Her Dress Code & Online Trolling
In addition, she said that she lauded the First Daughter and her counterparts for the donation in reference to video clips taken at the event, which was contrary to what was reported by Nation.
“In fact, as captured in clips as captured in clips recorded at the event, I not only lauded Ms. Charlene and her counterparts for their philanthropic act, but also stressed that it was the right step in our common quest to restore dignity of our children,” she added.
At the same time, the lawmaker urged the Nation Media Group (NMG) to correct its report as published in the newspaper and other platforms, labelling it as erroneous.
Kitui South MP Calls Out Journalists
MP Nyamai went on to make an appeal to journalists and all media practitioners to be professional in their work, and to desist from false narratives especially those disparaging and belittling through petty politics, noble undertakings genuinely undertaken by fellow Kenyans keen on improving the lives and livelihoods of people.
Also Read: Charlene Ruto Sparks Storm After Donating Shoes
In his defense, Nyamai highlighted that he has had similar undertakings of donations in his constituency, stressing that he was very grateful that others, including Charlene had rallied behind the noble act while referring to his speech.
“As I explained in the speech, I indicated that I had to personally create time to be at the event, despite having other duties in Parliament, because it gave me great joy and pleasure to see well-wishers rally behind my relentless quest to make the lives of our people better,” she added.
Charlene Ruto Campaign
The Campaign which was led by the first daughter saw more than 3000 pupils from 20 primary schools in Mutomo and Ikutha sub counties benefit.
Charlene in her address said that she was deeply moved by the testimonies of numerous students from various schools, revealing that the shoes provided by the campaign were their first pairs.
“What I want to tell Kenyans is that anyone can donate shoes. We do not have to wait for anyone else to do. We can’t stand and watch these pupils walk barefooted to school,’’ she said.
According to her, the initiative aims to support students from underprivileged backgrounds.
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