Naema Celestine 
By Thomas Mauko
Garissa elders and residents have rallied in support of Dadaab MP Farah Maalim, who is facing backlash for controversial remarks about Gen Z protesters.
Maalim came under fire after criticizing protesters opposing the Kenya Kwanza government’s Finance Bill, allegedly threatening them with severe consequences, including execution, and labeling their actions as a coup attempt.
In response to the public outcry, some local leaders have condemned Maalim’s comments as divisive. However, elders led by Dubat Amey argue that the criticism is premature and advocate for a thorough investigation before passing judgment. “From where we sit as elders, the actions by Kenyans regarding honourable Farah Maalim’s issue are uncalled for. It amounts to mob justice. Why can’t we give the police time to tell us the authenticity of the alleged video?” Amey stated.
Amey also criticized the Wiper Party’s decision to expel Maalim, urging the party to reconsider. He emphasized Maalim’s loyalty and consistent support for the party during challenging times, suggesting that the party should stand by him in his hour of need.
Ibrahim Ali Hassan defended Maalim’s character, pointing out that as a seasoned politician and elder, he would be unlikely to make such incendiary comments. “Let us not forget that Farah Maalim is not only a leader but also a father and grandpa. So how can he talk about killing 5,000 Generation Z protesters?” Hassan questioned.
Ali Abdullahi Gure, another elder, expressed trust in Maalim’s leadership and blamed political opponents for attempting to tarnish his reputation. He highlighted the potential for video manipulation in the digital age, suggesting that the viral video was doctored to serve malicious purposes.
Maalim himself has denied the allegations, claiming the video was altered to misrepresent his statements. During a Tuesday morning interview on KTN News, he dismissed the video’s content as misleading, attributing it to editing and manipulation by his adversaries.
The Wiper Party’s National Executive Council has removed Maalim from all parliamentary committees and proposed his expulsion from the party. Meanwhile, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned the MP to explain his remarks, which they claim could incite violence and disrupt political harmony in Kenya.
Elder Ali Abdullahi Gure urged the public to condemn those behind the viral video, suggesting that the creators had ulterior motives. “We want to condemn individuals behind the viral video because it is now clear they had a sinister motive,” he stated.
As the controversy unfolds, the call for a fair investigation into the video’s authenticity continues, with Maalim’s supporters advocating for a measured approach to the situation
