Kenya, May 8 -- Nakuru Town West Member of Parliament Samuel Arama has ignited a firestorm of controversy after reportedly calling his constituents "fools" for electing him for three consecutive terms.
The remarks, which surfaced in a video shared widely on social media, have drawn sharp criticism from residents and political observers.
In the viral clip, Arama is heard saying, "Wajinga wa Nakuru Town West wamenichagua mara tatu. Hata mimi nimechoka. Nimepata pesa nyingi sana," which translates to, "The fools of Nakuru Town West have elected me three times. Even I am tired. I have made a lot of money."
He further suggested that if he were to run for a fourth term, his constituents would still vote for him.
Many have accused the MP of disrespecting the very people who entrusted him with leadership. "This is the height of arrogance. How can a leader insult his voters like this?" said Jane Wanjiku, a Nakuru Town West resident.
Arama, a seasoned politician who has represented the constituency since 2013, is no stranger to controversy.
In February 2024, he was filmed berating parents seeking bursary forms at his office, calling them "stupid" and "jobless idlers." That incident, also widely shared on X, drew a similar backlash for its insensitivity toward struggling families.
The MP's latest remarks have intensified calls for accountability. Political analyst Peter Kamau described the comments as "a betrayal of public trust," urging voters to demand better leadership.
"Such statements reflect a deep disconnect between elected officials and their constituents," Kamau said.
The incident comes at a time when public trust in political leaders is already strained, with many Kenyans expressing disillusionment over unfulfilled promises.
Whether Arama's remarks will impact his political future remains to be seen, but for now, they have cast a shadow over his tenure as Nakuru Town West's representative.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.