Sotik MP Francis Sigei Apologises to Ruto Over ‘One Term’ Remarks

BOMET, Kenya — Sotik Member of Parliament Francis Sigei has apologised to President William Ruto after remarks he made during a rally in Bomet were interpreted as endorsing the opposition’s “WANTAM” slogan.

Sigei moved to clarify his comments, insisting that he had intended to call for President Ruto to serve one more term, rather than “one term” as his remarks appeared to suggest.

The lawmaker said he had already apologised to the President and attributed the confusion to the excitement surrounding Ruto’s visit to the region.

Sigei Says His Words Did Not Reflect His Position

Speaking after the rally, Sigei explained that the atmosphere during the event affected his choice of words, resulting in what he described as a slip of the tongue.

He said his hand gesture had indicated support for Ruto to serve another term, even though the words he uttered appeared to convey a different message.

“Kwa mikono mimi naonyesha ‘tutam’, lakini kwa matamshi ilikuwa ‘one term’. I meant to say ‘one more term’,” Sigei said.

The MP maintained that his political position has not changed and that he supports Ruto seeking re-election.

He said he has previously opposed calls for the President to serve only one term and had warned his supporters against adopting the slogan.

“Mimi nimekuwa mstarini mbele, hata niliwaambia watu ya kwamba sitaki kusikia mtu ambaye anasema ‘one term’,” Sigei said.

MP Appeals for Focus on Development

Sigei urged political leaders and residents to avoid allowing what he described as minor political disagreements to overshadow development activities in the region.

He characterised Ruto’s visit as a day of celebration and thanked the President for visiting the area and launching development projects.

“Leo ilikuwa siku ya amani, hatutaki mambo madogo madogo ije kuharibu mambo ambaye ni makubwa,” he said.

The MP subsequently reaffirmed his support for Ruto’s bid for a second term.

“Sisi watu wa Sotik tunasema President William Ruto aende term ya pili,” Sigei said.

Sigei Addresses Those Who Celebrated Remarks

The Sotik MP also addressed Kenyans who had interpreted and celebrated his initial remarks as a departure from his support for the President.

He insisted that his statement was a mistake and did not represent a shift in his political allegiance.

“Unajua nilisema term ya kwanza, lakini nilikuwa nasema ‘one more term’ kwa kueleza vizuri,” Sigei said.

He added:

“Wale ambao walifurahia ile kitu ambayo nilitamka kwa makosa, poleni. Kwa sababu mimi niko kwa ‘two terms’ bila kupinga.”

Sigei’s clarification comes amid heightened political debate over President Ruto’s political future as parties and political leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election.

The incident has also highlighted the sensitivity surrounding political slogans and statements by leaders as alliances and succession debates continue to shape Kenya’s political landscape.