United Opposition of Kenya has condemned Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga over remarks he made regarding the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing them as incendiary remarks and called for his immediate censure by the Council of Governors.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the coalition said the governor’somments, which were broadcast on several platforms on October 21, were irresponsible and intended to incite ethnic hatred. The statement, signed by United Opposition spokesperson Dr. Mukhisa Kityi, made it clear that Kahiga’s views were his own and did not represent any party affiliated with the coalition.
“Our attention has been drawn to what quite frankly amounts to hate speech, as clearly outlined in Article 33 of the 2010 Constitution,” the statement said. “Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s sentiments are entirely his.”
The coalition noteded that Governor Kahiga was elected on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket and therefore not part of the United Opposition. It urged the ruling party to take action against him for what it termed as “despicable sentiments.”
“Governor Kahiga’s statements should be condemned by all Kenyans, starting with his party leader, President William Ruto, UDA Chairperson Cecily Mbarire, and Secretary General Hassan Omar,” the statement added. “UDA should by now have issued a formal apology.”
Dr. Kituyi also dismissed Kahiga’s resignation as Vice Chairman of the Council of Governors and his subsequent apology, terming them hurried and insincere. He urged the Council of Governors to act in the public interest and discipline the Nyeri Governor for his “stage-managed comments designed to provoke ethnic conflict.”
The opposition further demanded that Kahiga reveal the individuals allegedly behind his remarks, accusing unnamed political figures of attempting to sow discord between the Luo and Kikuyu communities at a time when the country was mourning.
“Governor Kahiga should explain why his handlers chose him at such a sensitive time to issue such an outrageous statement in his vernacular language,” Kituyi said. “His words go against every principle of public good and human decency.”
Dr. Kituyi concluded by warning that attempts to inflame tribal tensions amounted to treason against the people of Kenya.
“For his own sake and that of his constituents, Governor Kahiga should expose those behind this agenda to divide the nation,” he said. “Such acts must be condemned in the strongest terms possible and treated as treason against the Republic of Kenya.”
The statement was signed by representatives of the Wiper Democratic Movement, Party of National Unity (PLP), Democratic Congress Party (DCP), Democratic Action Party–Kenya (DAP–K), and Jubilee Party under the United Opposition umbrella.
