Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina has responded to Uasin Gishu graduate Mercy Tarus, who allegedly declined an invitation from him for a discussion. Ledama had asked Tarus for an invitation to discuss potential working prospects with him.
Mercy Tarus gained prominence when she openly criticized Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii and Senator Jackson Mandago over the Finland Scholarship controversy. Her fearless stance in challenging these leaders caught the attention of Senator Ledama.
Following the viral image that showcased her courage in confronting the two politicians, Ledama reached out to her for a conversation. However, Tarus responded through a tweet from an account bearing her name, expressing her concern about addressing broader issues before considering other matters.
“Mr Ledama, before we can further this conversation, talk to your fellow Senators to bring the Uasin Gishu County Government to book and compel them to refund rightfully hard-earned money to the citizens of Kenya. Maybe then, we can talk. Otherwise, I have nothing more to say,” a tweet from an account bearing Mercy Tarus’s name stated.
In his response, Senator Ledama acknowledged Tarus’s sentiments and her right to express her opinion. He clarified that his initial intention was to propose a working relationship with her, rather than addressing the issues she raised.
“If indeed the response was from Mercy Tarus, she has a right to respond that way and I respect her sentiments. My position was clear, I said I would like her to work for me! Liking and offering have two different meanings,” Ledama said.
He praised her candid nature and boldness, highlighting the potential positive impact she could have as part of his team.
“I like her boldness and candid nature and that can rub positively on other staff. Now when it comes to offering, that would come second with specific terms or an invitation to work on a specific paid role.”
Senator Ledama further clarified that he does not possess the authority to summon Senator Jackson Mandago.
“I can’t summon Mandago … a petition has to be launched in parliament and the specific committee would be assigned the task. It’s important for you to understand how parliament works. Even the courts can’t work on their own volition a complaint has to be filed,” Ledama said.
