This archive report was first published on 26 September 2019.
Jubilee Leaders Clash on Citizen TV's JKL ¶
On September 25, 2019, Citizen TV's JKL hosted nominated Senator Millicent Omanga of Tanga Tanga and Wajir County woman representative Fatuma Gedi. The two Jubilee leaders engaged in a heated debate, with Gedi emerging as the clear winner.
Omanga, who supports Deputy President William Ruto and the Punguza Mizigo bill, found herself at odds with Gedi, who is aligned to Team Embrace and supports President Uhuru Kenyatta's handshake. The debate quickly turned into a war of words, with Omanga trying to bully Gedi but ultimately failing.
At one point, Omanga tried to claim that Gedi was a political toddler, but host Jeff Koinange quickly shut her down, pointing out that Gedi was elected at the county level while Omanga was merely nominated.
“On Mariga, my conscience cannot allow me to support Mariga. When you put on the TV, all you see is the candidate promoting betting, which is not good for kids,” Gedi lashed out after Omanga stated that Jubilee was not divided.
Omanga tried to defend herself by stating that Jubilee was a national party and its unity was highlighted through the endorsement of McDonald Mariga in Kibra. She also tore into Gedi, alleging that her alleged nude photos scandals were not good for kids.
However, Gedi hit back at Omanga, stating that the war was not personal. “I need my time. We are here to debate. We are not here to shout. If we are debating let us debate. I gave her my time, let her give me my time. We do not need to act like men when they come to the bench. We, women, are better than that,” Gedi said.
Many on Twitter praised Gedi's composure and intellect, with some even stating that they would vote for her if elections were held again. Omanga, on the other hand, was widely criticized for her lack of articulation and logic.
