Kisii Governor James Ongwae has been caught in an online storm after he celebrated the appointment of lawyer Gershom Otachi as the National Land Commission (NLC) Chairman.
Ongwae, through his Twitter handle, congratulated President Uhuru Kenyatta for appointing Otachi insinuating that his appointment is a reward to the Kisii community.
“On behalf of the residents of Kisii County, I thank H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta for nominating on merit the renowned lawyer Gerishom Otachi Bw’Omanwa to the position of Chairperson, National Land Commission (NLC). Congratulations Gerishom Otachi for this well deserved nomination,” reads the tweet.
But his message of appreciation on behalf of the Kisii community has not been well received. He has been accused of cheering tribal appointments.
Blogger Robert Alai, leading the online flock to destroy the Kisii Governor, accused him of cheering national appointments on tribal lines which is haunting the country.
Ethnic leaders cheering because of the national appointments. We are destroying this country. https://t.co/KDQfTGJ7At
— Robert Alai (@RobertAlai) August 20, 2019
So the Kisii people shld now go and que along Mombasa road n get 0.5 Acres each now that the President appointed our person, iwl never understand the average kenyan tribal thinking!!!!
— jeff kims (@jffkims89) August 20, 2019
This is below you Mr Governor.His isn’t a token to the Gusii community but a personal achievement. Probably convey your personal gratitude and not for the Gusii community. Sisi tunajitafutia na hatutambui tokenism.
— Nyamari Mose✊ (@nyamz1) August 20, 2019
Otachi was one of the lawyers who represented Uhuru during his ICC case at The Hague. The online community has come to a common conclusion that Uhuru has decided to award him for a job well done.
Kurudisha mkono bana
— OnagiRepublic (@AbwaoJoannes) August 19, 2019
Loyalty🤭🤭🤭? Otachi undertaken international legal assignments before the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in Arusha, Tanzania and The ICC, The Hague where he successfully represented General Hussein Ali and participated in the defence of President Uhuru Kenyatta.
— Harry Kimemia (@HarryKimemia) August 19, 2019