Starehe MP Charles Njagua arrested over 'xenophobic' remarks on foreign traders

Starehe MP Charles Njagua arrested

Mumbi Mutuko

June 26, 2019 12:56 PM

Jaguar arrested after Tanzania summoned Kenyan ambassador

Starehe MP Charles Njagua

Starehe MP, Charles 'Jaguar' Njagua, has been arrested outside Parliament buildings.

The first time MP was arrested over his 'xenophobic' remarks on foreigners who are traders in Nairobi.

His arrest comes after the legislator pointed an accusing finger at Chinese, Tanzanians and Ugandans traders for dominating businesses that would otherwise be done by locals.

Starehe MP Charles Njagua Pulse Live Kenya

Jaguar represents, includes Gikomba market which is popular in Kenya for second-hand clothes and construction materials.

Kenyan traders complaints

Kenyan traders had complained that Chinese nationals were selling second-hand clothes in Nairobi’s Gikomba market.

Tanzania summoned Kenyan High Commissioner to Dar es Salaam Dan Kazungu to explain the MP's 'xenophobic' remarks.

Tanzania’s Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa told his parliament that the Kenyan government had promised to summon the lawmaker to explain his statement.

Tanzania’s Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa Pulse Live Kenya

"The Kenyan diplomat said it was a personal utterance that had nothing to do with the official position of the Kenyan government. He promised that his country would summon the lawmaker to explain what he actually meant by the statement,” Majaliwa said.

Government Spokesman Cyrus Oguna denounced the comments made by the Starehe MP and assured safety to foreigners who wish to invest in the country.

Mumbi Mutuko