The majority leader in Kenya’s parliament has said that “Kenya is not a dumping ground” while discussing the controversial comments of MP Charles Njagua Kanyi, which some have described as xenophobic.
Mr Kanyi has been arrested after saying that Ugandan and Tanzanian business people should leave the country in 24 hours or face being forced out.
Talking about the remarks in the National Assembly, majority leader Aden Duale (in featured photo) said that while he condemned the “utterances” of Mr Kanyi he thought it was an issue that MPs “must discuss honestly”.
Articulating a Kenya first policy, Mr Duale said “we must protect the people of Kenya”.
He detailed instances where qualified Kenyans were prevented from getting jobs in Tanzania and alleged that Kenyans struggle to do business in the neighbouring country.
He also said that Kenyans face unfair competition in their own country as “today this country is flooded with fruits… from Tanzania”.
On Tuesday, Mr Kanyi’s earlier comments had sparked a diplomatic row and Tanzania’s prime minister summoned the Kenyan high commissioner for an explanation.
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said he had been reassured that the comments were not coming from the Kenyan government.
Mr Kanyi later said his comments were misinterpreted and he believes in peace.
–BBC
