ODM leader Raila Odinga has found himself in trouble with netizens over his condolence message to the family of departed bega musician John De Mathew.
De Mathew, whose real name is John Ngángá was involved in a road accident near Blue Post in Thika on Sunday evening. He was pronounced dead at the Thika Nursing Home.
Raila paid glowing tribute to the musician, describing him as an artist whose music educated his community on culture and current affairs and also enlightened young people against illicit brews.
“John Ng’ang’a Mwangi a.k.a John De Mathew did a great job as an artist. He enlightened young people against illicit brews while also educating his community on culture and current affairs. I wish his family and fans comfort during this trying time. May his soul rest in peace”.
John Ng'ang'a Mwangi a.k.a John De Mathew did a great job as an artist. He enlightened young people against illicit brews while also educating his community on culture and current affairs. I wish his family and fans comfort during this trying time. May his soul rest in peace.
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) August 19, 2019
However, many Kenyans have camped on his Twitter handle blasting him for lying because he knew very little about the musician and that his tribute was forced.
Here are reactions from Kenyans;
Being a politician is very difficult, you must always lie
— vanon (@Earl_Nyakach) August 19, 2019
De Mathew was a demented tribal bigot who used Benga music to spread hateful messages against Luos. We shouldn’t forget that that even as we mourn him.
— Jim Bonnie (@JimBonnieA) August 19, 2019
Ata wewe Baba uko na roho juu…Si DeMathew ndiye alikuwa ana ongoza anti-Raila crusade during last campaigns/elections 2013
— Martin Fundi Ngari (@MFNGARI) August 19, 2019
BABA, hii condolences is not genuine.. at least it’s not from heart…my be from your mouth
— Peter Matindo (@Peter_Matindo) August 19, 2019
I don’t know why we have to pretend people were good when we just did not like them fir the things they did or said to us. Hypocrisy
— Keg Ambassador 🍻🇰🇪🇰🇪 (@KegAmbassadorKE) August 19, 2019
Alijaribu kukanynga, ila kwa ujumbe huu wewe ume #KANYANGA Kweli. pic.twitter.com/I0pmqFM6TM
— Bupimal (@bupimal) August 19, 2019