The United Opposition of Kenya has issued a sharp rebuke against Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, describing his recent remarks as “the very definition of hate speech.” The coalition is now calling on both the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) leadership and the Council of Governors (CoG) to take immediate disciplinary action.
In a statement released on Tuesday, October 22, the coalition’s spokesperson, Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, disassociated the opposition from the governor’s comments, citing constitutional provisions that prohibit incitement and hate speech.
“Our attention has been drawn to what, quite frankly, is the very definition of hate speech as clearly outlined under Article 33 of our Constitution,” Dr. Kituyi said.
He clarified that Governor Kahiga, who was elected on a UDA ticket, is not affiliated with any party within the United Opposition coalition.
Call for Accountability
Dr. Kituyi urged President William Ruto, in his capacity as UDA Party Leader, along with Party Chairperson Cecily Mbarire and Secretary General Senator Hassan Omar, to publicly condemn and apologise for what he termed as “despicable sentiments” made by the Nyeri Governor.
“Governor Kahiga’s despicable sentiments should, in one accord, be wholly condemned by all Kenyans starting with his UDA Party Leader,” he said, adding that the ruling party should have already issued a formal reprimand.
The former UNCTAD Secretary-General also called on the Council of Governors to act decisively, saying the remarks were “clearly stage-managed comments designed to ignite ethnic division.”
Resignation and “Insincere” Apology
Following mounting criticism, Governor Kahiga resigned as Vice-Chairman of the Council of Governors and issued an apology for his comments. However, the United Opposition dismissed the apology as inadequate and insincere.
“It is not enough for Governor Kahiga to issue what was clearly a hurriedly scripted apology,” Dr. Kituyi said. “The Council of Governors should, in the public interest, act swiftly and censure him.”
Allegations of Political Manipulation
Dr. Kituyi further suggested that Governor Kahiga may have been influenced by “nefarious political actors” seeking to stir ethnic animosity between Kenya’s major communities.
“Governor Kahiga should tell Kenyans why his paymasters chose him at such a time as this to be their mouthpiece,” he said.
“He must publicly expose those behind this reckless attempt to pit our Luo and Kikuyu brothers against each other. Such acts must be condemned as treasonous to the unity of our Republic.”
The controversy surrounding Governor Kahiga’s remarks has reignited debate about hate speech, political responsibility, and ethnic relations in Kenya’s charged political climate.
