The United Opposition of Kenya has slammed Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga over remarks it described as reckless, divisive, and tantamount to hate speech, accusing him of attempting to ignite tribal hostilities in the country.
In a hard-hitting statement released on Wednesday, the Opposition rejected both Kahiga’s utterances and his subsequent apology, terming it “hurriedly scripted and stage-managed.” The coalition said Kahiga’s decision to resign as Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG) does not absolve him from responsibility over his alleged inflammatory statements.
“It is in our view not enough for Governor Kahiga to issue a hurriedly scripted apology that included his resignation as CoG Vice Chair. The CoG should in public interest act swiftly and censure the Nyeri Governor for his clearly stage-managed comments designed to ignite an ethnic war,” read the statement signed by Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, the Spokesperson of the United Opposition.
The United Opposition — comprising Wiper, Jubilee, DAP-K, PLP, and DCP — accused the governor of being used by “nefarious paymasters” to advance dangerous tribal narratives at a politically delicate moment.
Dr. Kituyi challenged Kahiga to publicly name those allegedly behind his outburst, saying his conduct amounted to “treason against the people of the Republic of Kenya.”
“Governor Kahiga should inform Kenyans why his paymasters chose him to be their mouthpiece. His statement was an absolute shocker — contrary to public good and against all human understanding,” Kituyi said, warning that such rhetoric could reopen old ethnic wounds between communities.
The Opposition further called out the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) leadership — including President William Ruto, UDA Chairperson Cecily Mbarire, and Secretary General Senator Hassan Omar — demanding that they take a public stand and condemn Kahiga’s remarks.
“UDA must not remain silent. Silence in the face of hate speech is complicity,” read part of the statement.
Additionally, the coalition urged the Council of Governors to institute disciplinary action against Kahiga, noting that his comments have “no place in a country striving for peace and cohesion.”
Governor Kahiga, who issued an apology and stepped down from his CoG post earlier this week, is yet to respond to the latest Opposition onslaught.
