East African Legislative assembly (EALA) MP Kanini Kega has cautioned Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga against dragging the Mt. Kenya community into the controversy surrounding remarks made by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga about Raila Odinga’s death.
In a statement on Tuesday, October 22, Kega suggested that criticism should remain directed at Kahiga and not an entire region.
“Some of us lost our seats in the 2022 elections for standing with Raila Odinga. Kindly, as you vilify Governor Mutahi Kahiga, kindly, Governor Gladys Wanga and Co., don’t drag the Mt. Kenya community in this unfortunate matter. You are also now crossing the line! Leave us now; we deal with our Kahiga internally,” he said.
The row stems from a video that surfaced showing Kahiga making remarks that appeared to celebrate the death of the former Prime Minister.
While speaking in Kikuyu during an event in Kieni, Nyeri County, Kahiga claimed that Raila’s death was part of God’s plan to return development to the Mt. Kenya 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 because the plan that was there was probably to throw us out. But who is God. Does he take ugali at somebody’s house or sleep in Kayole? He came through in his own way,” he said.
On Tuesday, October 21, Wanga was among those who issued a strong response, accusing Kahiga of making hateful and divisive remarks.
“Today, Governor Mutahi Kahiga came out with a very rare admission: that for him and his supporters, Raila’s death was their prayer answered. Kahiga has long thrived on bursts of false and outrageous allegations, personal insults, fear mongering and ethnic profiling, especially when it comes to the Luo nation and Raila Odinga,” she said.
Wanga said Kahiga’s words were shameful and unbecoming of a county leader, calling on Kenyans to unite and denounce ethnic hatred.
“As Kahiga’s colleague, I am ashamed of his words. I am offended as chairperson of ODM and a believer in Raila Odinga and what he bequeathed our country, I take serious offense at Kahiga’s outbursts.
“It is time for all who value the unity of this country to take a stand and condemn this depth of tribal hate being champooned by Kahiga and those who think like him. We must all stand up and condemn Kahiga for his tribal chauvinism and being more consumed with himself and his tribe than with the nation’s well-being. Chauvinism like Kahiga’s has set many nations aflame. They could do in Kenya too,” she added
Speaking again during a press conference on Wednesday, Wanga went a step further by alleging that Kahiga was not speaking independently but on behalf of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
‘What I know is that Kahiga does not speak for himself. Kahiga is the Spokesperson of Rigathi Gachagua. Rigathi Gachagua mocked Raila’s illness and asked whether he was a virus and whether Kalonzo was a bacterium.
“To date, Rigathi Gachagua has yet to mourn Raila, who braved political tensions to go mourn his brother, the late Nderitu Gachagua,” she claimed.
However, this claim did not sit well with a section of leaders allied to Gachagua who were quick to hit back at Wanga.
Nyandarua Senator John Methu accused Wanga of unfairly targeting Gachagua, reminding the ODM Governor that Raila championed for freedom of association to be enshrined in the 2010 constitution.
He added that no one can dictate who others choose to align with, saying they are free to be friends with anyone.
“Gladys Wanga, you’ve mentioned Rigathi Gachagua more than the accused in your statement. But what caught my attention was your statement that Rigathi, his allies, and his supporters cannot be your friends.
“I want to assume you meant your family, not your party. One of the fundamental rights that Raila Odinga got us in the new constitution is the freedom of association. We shall be friends with everyone,” he said.
Methu further accused Wanga of allegedly organizing goons to attack Gachagua.
“Who would want a character who can organize goons to hurt Rigathi Gachagua in a solemn national function, such as the sendoff of one of Kenya’s greatest sons, Raila. Who does that? You can hate Riggy G all you want, Gladys, but he responds with love,” he added.
