Cherargei defends controversial remarks on Kenyans abroad, says he was misunderstood

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has come out swinging to clarify remarks that sparked outrage, insisting his comments were a warning, not a call for harm.

Speaking on Monday, November 10, 2025, Cherargei told journalists that his words were misinterpreted and were meant to remind Kenyans to respect the laws of foreign countries while abroad.

“What I said was clear. It was not targeting anyone. Hii mambo ya kuenda hapa na pale na kuingilia siasa si mzuri. Na sisi kama Wakenya lazima tukue na heshima katika nchi ambazo tunapatana nao,” Cherargei explained.

He added that Kenyans need to understand the constitutions and rules of the countries they visit.

“If you are smart and want to engage in politics in Uganda, you first take up Ugandan citizenship. Once you are a citizen, you can ask questions and participate. Otherwise, respect their laws,” he said.

Cherargei insisted that social media amplified his words out of context, turning a cautionary note into a storm.

“There is nothing to apologise for. I was merely advising activists against misbehaving abroad. Social media exaggerates, but the advice stands,” he said.

The senator’s clarification follows backlash over comments made at PAG Church in Kapsabet town on Sunday, November 9, 2025, where he had urged the governments of Uganda and Tanzania to act firmly against Kenyans allegedly interfering in their politics.

“I want to ask President Samia and Museveni, if you get any busybodies, activists who want to destabilise your country, finya hao, warudishe nyumbani tuwamalizie,” Cherargei had said.

His remarks came after reports that Kenyan activists Njagi and Oyoo went missing in Kampala on October 1, 2025, while supporting Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine.

Cherargei maintained that his position was purely advisory and aimed at protecting Kenya’s diplomatic ties with neighbouring countries.