United Opposition Condemns Nyeri Governor Over Hate-Speech Remarks
Leaders of United Opposition caucus. Photo/Courtesy.
By MKT Correspondents
The United Opposition strongly condemned Nyeri County Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s remarks over the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
In a statement issued yesterday , the coalition rejected both the governor’s comments and his subsequent apology, saying they violated Article 33 of the Constitution of Kenya (2010), which limits freedom of expression to exclude hate speech and incitement.
The statement, signed by Dr Mukhisa Kituyi, the Opposition’s spokesperson, accused the governor of making “despicable and reckless” remarks that threaten national unity. “Governor Kahiga’s sentiments should, in one accord, be wholly condemned by all Kenyans,” the statement said, adding, “UDA should by now have issued a censure and a public apology.”
Governor Kahiga, who was elected on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, made the remarks on Tuesday at a burial ceremony in his county. The comments surfaced in a video widely shared on social media and later broadcast across major outlets.
At the ceremony, Governor Kahiga (speaking in his native Kikuyu) suggested that the death of late Raila was “God’s plan to help the Mt Kenya region regain access to State resources that had allegedly been diverted elsewhere.
“You guys can see; you can see what had been planned, but God came and brought this thing. … All goodies were being directed there because of tomorrow’s plans, because it seemed like they did away with us, but God came and brought this thing.”
“But who is God? Does he take ugali at somebody’s house or sleep in Kayole? … He came through in his own way. He saw up there people in heaven are disagreeing a lot and came for Baba so that he can go and smooth things up there.”
The remarks triggered widespread outrage.
The Council of Governors (CoG) yesterday convened an extraordinary meeting, describing the remarks as “reckless, insensitive, sad and unfortunate.”
“It is inhumane and unacceptable to celebrate his death on account of perceived political calculations,” the Council stated.
From within his own party, UDA Chairperson Cecily Mbarire said:
“Let it be clearly understood: Governor Kahiga’s remarks do not reflect the views of the Mount Kenya region.”
On the opposition side, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Chairperson Gladys Wanga condemned the remarks as: “primitive, insensitive, and insulting … A new low in our politics.”
“As Kahiga’s colleague, I am ashamed of his words. I am offended as the Chairperson of ODM and as a believer in Raila Odinga and what he stood for.”
Early yesterday, Kahiga convened a media briefing at his residence in Nyeri town where he apologised over the remarks and further resigned as the Vice-Chair of the CoG. But the United Opposition dismissed the move as “hurried and insufficient,” calling for decisive action from UDA and the Council of Governors.
The coalition called on UDA leadership; including President William Ruto, chairperson Cecily Mbarire and Secretary-General Hassan Omar to publicly condemn the governor’s statements and reaffirm the party’s commitment to peace and unity.
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