The United Opposition has come out strongly against Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga following his controversial comments on the late Raila Odinga, demanding that the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) take firm disciplinary action.
In a statement released by Opposition Spokesperson Mukhisa Kituyi on Wednesday, the coalition distanced itself from the governor, clarifying that Kahiga is a UDA member and not part of any opposition party.
“For the record, Governor Kahiga was elected on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket. He does not belong to any of the parties within the United Opposition,” Kituyi stated.
The coalition condemned Kahiga’s statements made during a funeral on Tuesday, where he appeared to celebrate Raila Odinga’s death and suggested that the late former Prime Minister’s demise was a “blessing in disguise” for the Mt. Kenya region.
According to the statement, the remarks were deeply offensive and went against the spirit of national unity.
The Opposition urged President William Ruto, UDA Chairperson Cecily Mbarire, and Secretary General Hassan Omar to publicly denounce Kahiga’s behavior.
“His despicable sentiments should be condemned by all Kenyans, starting with his own party leadership. UDA should have already issued a public apology and censure,” the statement read in part.
Governor Kahiga has since apologized and resigned from his position as Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors (COG). However, the Opposition maintained that the apology was merely an act of damage control and lacked sincerity.
They also called on the Council of Governors to take internal disciplinary action, arguing that the governor’s comments risked fueling ethnic tensions across the country.
The coalition further alleged that certain powerful figures may have influenced Kahiga’s statements for political gain.
“Governor Kahiga should tell Kenyans who sent him to make such divisive remarks in his vernacular tongue—words that undermine public morality and unity,” the statement concluded.
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