Dagoretti North Member of Parliament Beatrice Elachi has defended her controversial remarks urging Kenyans critical of the government to leave the country if they find it ‘bad.’
Speaking during a church service in Dagoretti North on January 12, Elachi condemned those she described as ‘disrespecting the Head of State.’
Her statement, delivered in Swahili, stirred widespread debate, with many Kenyans interpreting it as dismissive and arrogant.
While addressing the congregation, Elachi said: “Foreigners say Kenya is a good country, but Kenyans are complaining about how bad it is. If Kenya is so bad, why not leave? What are you doing here in a bad place? Disappear. If you cannot leave, then remember this is your country, and there is nowhere else you can go. Let us protect our country and respect the president.”
Her remarks sparked backlash online, with critics accusing her of insensitivity.
X user, @tha_ebony, argued: “Instead of urging Kenyans to relocate, leaders should focus on fixing the country and fulfilling their legislative roles. If you believe Kenya is bad, fix it.”
Another user, @abely_akoth, wrote: “Look at those demanding respect from Kenyans. They don’t even respect themselves. Why do they expect us to respect them?”
But while appearing on Spice FM on Thursday, January 23, Elachi claimed her statement had been taken out of context.
She argued that translating her remarks from Swahili to English altered their meaning.
“I spoke in Swahili, and the context is entirely different in English. If you’re going to critique something, give the full context, not just the first line,” she said.
The lawmaker further claimed that her message was intended to caution young people about the potential consequences of their social media posts, which she said could tarnish Kenya’s global image and harm future opportunities.
“Countries do not want to be associated with us because of our disrespect and insults. For example, many have been denied U.S. visas because of protests by Kenyans abroad. In the region, even President Suluhu is hesitant to accommodate young people aged 38 and below,” claimed Elachi.
Beatrice Elachi: All I’m saying is be very careful as a Kenyan because you have nowhere to go so take care of your country. I said this because so many Kenyans went to the US Embassy complaining that they were denied visas but they did not know why they were denied visas.… pic.twitter.com/yS3TakYwo4
— KTN News (@KTNNewsKE) January 23, 2025
She noted the importance of holding the government accountable but urged citizens to do so respectfully, given President Ruto’s position as the Head of State.
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“What we put out there has dire consequences at an international level. While we should call out the government, we must do it respectfully.”
