Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko has defended his photoshop with departed democracy icon Nelson Mandela which recently caused a stir in both local and international media.
When contacted by this writer, Sonko said that was his own special way of celebrating the life of Nelson Mandela.
“Mandela was a man of the people. He liberated many, including myself. . .he is an African icon,” he said.
But to make it clear for his support base, Sonko posted a short statement saying those castigating him are ‘the same dictatorial oppressors who Madiba fought against’. The Senator, arguably one of the fondest politicians in Kenya today, said Madiba was a role model to many and he had the ‘right to celebrate his life’.
“To my critics I love you. To my haters I love you too. To my fans I love you more & May God bless & protect you and your families wherever you are. Today we say our final goodbyes to our dear African icon Nelson Madiba Mandela” said the statement.
“Those who negatively commented on my photoshop image with Mandela are the same dictatorial oppressors who Madiba fought against. Mandela was a man of the people, Mandela was and still is a role model to many including myself and I have the right to celebrate his life in a special way. Madiba liberated Africa! May The Lord rest Tata’s Soul in eternal peace,” added Sonko.
And his supporters seemed to agree with the Senator, as many congratulated him.
“Many may never understand you, many may never appreciate you but one thing is for sure, they will never forget you. God bless,” wrote Evans Githae on the Senator’s Face Book wall.
“uko sawa mhesh and their criticism only prove ur popularity beyond boders heko kiongozi,” added Ken Okaka.
Senator Sonko is among distinguished Kenyans awarded the Presidential medal Moran of the order of the Burning Spear by President Uhuru Kenyatta at the last Jamhuru Day celebrations.