Mandera North Member of Parliament (MP) Bashir Abdullahi has apologised after a video attributed to him went viral on the social media platforms.
The legislator said his comments have been taken out of context, leading to misunderstanding. Abdullahi said he is apologetic if his words hurt the families of those who lost their loved ones during the June 25, 2024 demonstrations.
“Fellow Kenyans, over the past few days, I have observed with concern the public reaction to a phrase attributed to me during a recent parliamentary session—’we sympathize and move on.’ While the phrase has gone viral, it has unfortunately been taken out of context.
“Yet my words were pulled out of that context and misunderstood by many. In times of grief, we often lean on faith for comfort.
“If my words hurt the bereaved families or any Kenyan, I offer my deepest and unconditional apology. And do so as servant leadership,” Abdullahi said in a post on X on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
Pained
The lawmaker said he never intended to dismiss the losses that families suffered in the wake of the Gen Zs’ demonstration.
“As a father, as a leader, and as a citizen of this nation, I am deeply pained by the killing of our young people—many of whom only sought to voice their frustrations peacefully, with courage and hope. Let it be known: I do not, and will never, support the unjust killings.
“We mourned as a House and stood in solidarity with the affected families. At no point did I intend to dismiss or downplay the profound loss that occurred. Let me set the record straight. I was present in Parliament on that solemn day when we unanimously condemned the tragic events of 25th June 2024—when innocent Kenyan youth lost their lives during the anti-Finance Bill.
“We mourned as a House and stood in solidarity with the affected families. At no point did I intend to dismiss or downplay the profound loss that occurred.
“I demand that those responsible be held accountable. demand that those responsible be held accountable,” he explained.
