FORMER KACHELIBA MP MARK LOMUNOKOL DEFENDS CONTROVERSIAL REMARKS, CLAIMS POLITICAL WITCH-HUNT

Former Kacheliba Member of Parliament Mark Lomunokol has defended remarks he made during a meeting in Sokaa, West Pokot County, which sparked controversy over alleged comments targeting non-Pokot communities.

Lomunokol, who is also the Sports Kenya Chairman, spoke after presenting himself at the County Criminal Investigations Office in Kapenguria, where he recorded a statement over the remarks.

The former MP dismissed the controversy as politically motivated, claiming that a video clip of his speech had been edited and circulated by his political opponents with malicious intent.

Lomunokol said his remarks had been taken out of context and urged investigative agencies to establish the full circumstances surrounding the video. He further accused his political opponents of using the matter to undermine his political ambitions ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The former MP also called on investigative agencies to remain impartial, warning against what he termed political interference in criminal investigations.

Accompanied by Sigor MP Peter Lochakapong, Lomunokol said he would not be intimidated and urged investigators to handle the matter professionally and in accordance with the law.

Lochakapong, who said he had invited Lomunokol to Sokaa for a fundraiser over the weekend, defended the former MP, arguing that his remarks had been misinterpreted. He said Lomunokol had been addressing security concerns among residents of Konyao following an attack in which a political aspirant was allegedly assaulted at his home using pangas and blunt objects.

According to Lochakapong, portions of Lomunokol’s speech were edited before being forwarded to investigators, leaving out the wider context of his remarks. He urged investigating officers to remain independent and resist political interference.

Lochakapong further accused West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin of being behind what he described as a politically motivated move against Lomunokol, alleging that the governor had called for the former MP’s arrest. He called on residents to remain calm and maintain peace as the country approaches the 2027 General Election.

However, West Pokot County Criminal Investigations Officer Fondo Birya clarified that Lomunokol and Lochakapong presented themselves at the police station to record statements and had not been summoned by investigators.

The allegations surrounding Lomunokol’s remarks remain under investigation, with investigators yet to establish the full circumstances surrounding the speech and the circulation of the video clip.