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Last Friday 14 October, both President Uhuru and his deputy, William Ruto, were out of the country on official business. Nairobi Senator, Mike Sonko, annoyed some people, including DPP Keriako Tobiko, when he revealed he was the acting President at a funeral of the late Henry Odwale, husband to Wavinya Ndeti (Former Kathiani MP)
Also Read: Mike Sonko faces arrest after declaring himself president
Sonko has since explained why he declared himself President; he says he was anointed by the highest office in the land to be ‘President’.
“I received orders from the Office of the President to read the presidential speech who was on official duty in Togo while his able deputy William Ruto was en route from France in the same capacity. Upon receiving the presidential release, I acted in my capacity as the Presidential representative to read to the leaders, family members and residents in attendance the President's speech.”Sonko explained on a Facebook post.
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The controversial lawmaker further claimed opposition leaders were the ones who disrespected the presidency when they walked out of the funeral function as he was delivering his speech.
“Upon receiving the presidential release, I acted in my capacity as the Presidential representative to read to the leaders, family members and residents in attendance the President's speech. This seemed to rub the opposition leaders, to whom I duly respect, the wrong way. A clear act of cowardice and disrespect to the Presidency as the walked out during my time. I hereby clarify that my utterances were altered in the edited clip to depict my social, political and influence based position as challenging presidency.”
Sonko refused to withdraw his statement going on to say the viral footage of him declaring himself President was edited to maim his character.
“Based on the unreleased footage, it is evident that the allegations were drawn to delineate my character and tarnish my name based on my political inclination. This was further fuelled by the seemingly bitter rivalry between my party JAP and the wrangling CORD detach which was ably represented. I hereby decline to withdraw my statement based on my innocent comments, honesty and loyalty to the CIC hon Uhuru M Kenyatta, our able and serving president. Following the allegations, I was bowled over by the declaration by our DPP, my friend Keriako Tobiko, to investigate and question me. I am saddened by the fact that Keriako was reacting to his declaration which was propelled by dubious claims which his office ought to have thoroughly investigated. It's a shame that the DPP would be influenced to act on such claims. It's an act of incompetency. We will release the acquired footage for national transparency.”