There was shock after the Kenyan Government on Thursday stated it had no problem with the recently reported vulgar remarks by US President Donald Trump.
Speaking during a government press briefing at the KICC, Kiraithe failed to castigate the US Government and said Kenya had no problem with Trump's comments leaving many Kenyans in shock.
Last week during an Oval Office meeting on immigration, Trump expressed frustration with people coming to the United States from countries in Africa and elsewhere and apparently referring to them as coming from "shithole" countries.
Global uproar
The statement sparked uproar from the rest of the world led by the United Nations and many african countries including South Africa and Botswana.
However, several Kenyan leaders went against the grain and seemed to support Trump's comments.
Among those who seemed to support the controversial comments included NASA leader Raila Odinga’s personal assistant, Dennis Onyang’o.
According to Mr. Onyang’o, Kenya was a shithole because it was unable to pay its professionals who then run to the US for greener pastures.
Trump support
At the same time, Former Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo also supported the no-nonsense Head of State.
Speaking during an interview Mr. Midiwo noted: "Trump is telling it as it is that your country is a shithole".
Controversial political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi also sparked a debate after opining that Trump’s sentiments were true.
“African Countries are SH*THOLE Nations. We Know It. But the WORD Sh*thole is like NIGGER. A Muzungu Uses it, it is RACIST - although TRUE!” Ngunyi tweeted.
Political analyst and University Don Edward Kisiang'ani was also of the opinion that the Trump’s words befittingly described Kenya.
Mr Kisiang’ani noted:Shithole counties stink of corruption, tribalism theft of public resources, electoral fraud n self-imposed underdevelopment. Trump is right about us".
However after the uproar by Kenyans on the statement by the government, Kiraithe sent out a statement clarifying the statement saying he had been misreported.
"I would like to clarify that following a question by one of the reporters; I stated that Kenya aligns herself with the sentiments expressed by the African Union which termed the remarks as “extremely upsetting.” With this clarification, I advise the media to take necessary action to correct the wrong impression that may have been created by the Daily Nation report," the statement read.