Sotik MP Sigei apologises to Ruto over ‘Wantam’ remarks in Bomet

Sigei moved to clarify his remarks, saying he had intended to urge Ruto to serve one more term and not ‘one term’ as his words appeared to suggest.

The Sotik lawmaker said he had already apologised to the President over the confusion.

He explained that the atmosphere during the rally had contributed to his choice of words, insisting that his intended message was to support Ruto’s re-election.

"Kidogo nilikuwa na shida ambaye siwezi kuitambua hapa. But wakati niliingia, nilijazwa na furaha tele, mpaka maneno ambayo nilitamka ilikuwa tofauti,” he said.

Sigei further explained the apparent contradiction between his hand gesture and the words he used while addressing the crowd.

“Kwa mikono mimi naonyesha 'tutam’, lakini kwa matamshi ilikuwa ‘one term’. I meant to say ‘one more term’,” he said.

The MP said he had consistently opposed calls for Ruto to serve only one term, noting that he had previously cautioned his supporters against using the slogan.

“Mimi nimekuwa mstarini mbele, hata niliwaambia watu ya kwamba sitaki kusikia mtu ambaye anasema ‘one term’,” Sigei said.

He described the day as one of celebration following Ruto’s visit to the region and urged leaders and residents not to allow what he termed minor political issues to overshadow development activities.

"Leo ilikuwa siku ya amani, hatutaki mambo madogo madogo ije kuharibu mambo ambaye ni makubwa,” he said.

Sigei thanked Ruto for visiting the area and launching development projects, while reaffirming his support for the President’s bid for a second term.

“Sisi watu wa Sotik tunasema President William Ruto aende term ya pili,” he said.

He again insisted that his earlier statement had been a slip of the tongue rather than a change in his political position.

The MP also addressed those who had celebrated his initial remarks, telling them his position remained firmly behind Ruto serving two terms.

"Unajua nilisema term ya kwanza, lakini nilikuwa nasema ‘one more term’ kwa kueleza vizuri,” Sigei said. “Wale ambao walifurahia ile kitu ambayo nilitamka kwa makosa, poleni. Kwa sababu mimi niko kwa ‘two terms’ bila kupinga,” he said.