The government, through spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, has issued a stern warning to politicians against making divisive remarks that could fan animosity in the country.
In a statement released on Wednesday, October 22, Mwaura condemned Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s controversial remarks, describing them as regrettable, unfortunate, and extremely insensitive.
“The Government has noted with deep concern the unpatriotic remarks by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga. Such utterances are not only regrettable but also extremely unfortunate, especially coming at a time when our nation is still mourning the death of Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga is a respected statesman and one of Kenya’s founding pillars of democracy. We condemn such divisive, insensitive, and disrespectful remarks,” the statement read.
The government spokesperson emphasized that under President William Ruto’s leadership, every region receives its rightful share of national resources, with the President serving all Kenyans regardless of their voting patterns.
“Under President William Samoel Ruto’s decisive leadership, every devolved unit gets its rightful share of the national cake. The President has risen above acrimonious politics, serving all Kenyans whether they voted for him or not and is ensuring that no corner of this nation is left behind. That is a show of true leadership anchored in national unity, inclusivity, and people-centered,” Mwaura stated.
He called on all leaders to exercise restraint and avoid language that stirs hatred, urging them to use their positions to promote peace, unity, and dignity across the political divide.
“At this delicate time of national grief, we urge all leaders to refrain from the language of hate and embrace the spirit of one united Kenya. Leaders may disagree and differ in opinions, but Kenya belongs to all of us. The Government, therefore, calls upon all leaders across the political divide to uphold the values of the constitution and to honor the memory of the late Raila Odinga by promoting peace, unity, and dignity among all Kenyans,” the statement added.
The government welcomed Governor Kahiga’s resignation as Vice Chairman of the Council of Governors. It urged the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and the DCI to take stern action against anyone fanning division and ethnic animosity.
The controversy erupted after Governor Kahiga made remarks during a funeral in Nyeri County on Tuesday, October 21, suggesting that the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was a blessing in disguise for the Mt. Kenya region.
Speaking in the Kikuyu dialect, Kahiga claimed that Raila’s alliance with the current government had marginalized Mt. Kenya from accessing government resources and implied that divine intervention had altered the political landscape.
“The plan that had been hatched, if you look keenly, for you who do not travel, because I was in that region, all goodies were being directed there because of tomorrow’s plan, because it seemed like they did away with us, but God came and brought this thing. So now people have been told to go back to the drawing board,” he said.
The remarks sparked widespread outrage on social media, with leaders and citizens condemning the governor.
On Wednesday, October 22, Kahiga apologized to Raila’s family, the ODM party, the Luo community, and all Kenyans, stating that his remarks had been misunderstood.
“My remarks were in no way celebratory. I meant that under the current broad-based government, we have seen skewed development and, politically, the loss of the Rt. Hon Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga sends everyone back to the drawing board,” he explained.
He also stepped down from his position as Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors, taking responsibility for his remarks’ real and perceived meaning.
