𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐮 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐧 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐊𝐚𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐚 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬

By KNA

Leaders from Embu County have joined other Kenyans in condemning Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga over his “celebratory” remarks concerning the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s death

Led by Governor Cecily Mbarire, the leaders termed the remarks as reckless and insensitive and not in line with principles of leadership and governance as stipulated in the constitution.

Governor Kahiga is accused of claiming that the death of Raila Odinga had disrupted political plans to sideline Mt Kenya region, remarks that are viewed as outrageous and could easily to divide Kenyans further on political lines.

Governor Mbarire said the comments were in bad taste and disrespectful to a man whose contribution to Kenya’s democracy, constitutionalism and devolution was internationally recognized.

Speaking to residents of Mbeere North Constituency at Kanyuambora Market, Governor Mbarire accused Kahiga of lacking dignity and empathy during a time when the country was still mourning the death of ODM leader Raila.

“Respect for the dead transcends political and ideological differences and that is why as governors, we have resolved to remove him from the position of Vice Chairman of the Council of Governors,” she noted.

“We find his remarks unfortunate and only serve to divide Kenyans at a time when the nation was united in mourning an astute political leader,” she said.

Ruguru Ngandori MCA, Muturi Mwombo, echoed Mbarire’s sentiments, saying Kahiga’s utterances were beneath the dignity expected of a senior leader who is serving a second term in office.

“Those were reckless words that reflected his personal opinion, not the position of Mt Kenya leaders or locals,” he said.

Mwombo added that the people of Mt Kenya stand in solidarity with the family of the late Raila Odinga and the people of Nyanza Region as they mourn their departed son.

“We are mourning together with the people of Nyanza. What Kahiga said does not represent our feelings,” he emphasized.

However, Mwombo appealed to members of the Nyeri County Assembly not to rush into impeaching the Governor, saying that doing so would plunge the county into political quagmire when the Governor has less than two years in office before the next elections.

He urged them to allow him to serve the remainder of his term and seek to deny him any other elective seat in the county in 2027