United Opposition Demands Censure Over Governor Kahiga’s ‘Ethnic War’ Remarks, Putting UDA on Notice
A group of the United Opposition of Kenya led by H.E Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka and H.E Rigathi Gachagua Demands Action Against Governor Kahiga Over ‘Ethnic War’ Remarks
United Opposition of Kenya has gone ahead to strongly condemn the remarks of the Nyeri Governor, Mutahi Kahiga who is accused of propagating ethnic hatred and requested immediate disciplinary measures by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Council of Governors (CoG).
The spokesperson of the coalition, Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, said in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 22 that the latest remarks made by Governor were an instance of hate speech as stipulated in Article 33 of the Constitution of Kenya. He made it very clear that the United Opposition do not share or even support the sentiments of Kahiga stating that the governor was a member of the UDA and that all his sentiments are solely his responsibility.
Also Read
Zimbabwe’s ZANU-PF Moves to Extend Mnangagwa’s Presidency to 2030
President Ruto Announces 7-Day National Mourning Following Raila Odinga’s Passing
Dr. Kituyi declared that the comments were not acceptable and that the President William Ruto who is also the UDA party leader and the top party officials including Cecily Mbarire, the party Chairperson and Hassan Omar, the party Secretary General, should publicly apologize to Kenyans. He further stated that the ruling party ought to have proceeded with disciplining the Nyeri Governor on his divisive remarks.
He pointed out that the words of the governor were what he referred to as despicable sentiments which needed to be condemned universally especially by the people of the ruling party. The opposition leader pointed out that this kind of utterances would pose a threat to national cohesion, and they would jeopardize the gains Kenya has enjoyed in the name of cohesion and reconciliation among the different communities in the country.
The former UNCTAD Secretary-General also sought the Council of Governors to act without delay on Governor Kahiga by stating that the body must act immediately and condemn him. He alleged that the governor had made a series of stage-managed remarks that aimed to spark an ethnic war and that the words might have been a part of a bigger politically motivated plan.
Governor Kahiga also resigned as the Vice- Chairman of the Council of Governors after he was widely criticized due to his comments. He issued an apology later but the United Opposition rejected it as disingenuous and rushedly written, claiming that it did not answer to the seriousness of what he said.
It was not enough that a mere apology be made in this case according to Dr. Kituyi. He argued that the CoG was morally and constitutionally bound to ensure that it safeguarded the people of confidence and national security by officially chastising the Nyeri Governor. In his opinion, no other assurance would convince Kenyans that the political leaders of the country are determined to peace and inclusivity, other than leadership that has been marked with clear accountability and decisive action.
Dr. Kituyi also alluded to the fact that the governor might have been under pressure to make the statements by unnamed political figures who were interested in causing ethnic tension in order to gain selfish political interests. Dr. Kituyi challenged Governor Kahiga to reveal the individuals or groups behind his utterances stating that such factors were hell-bent on fueling a tribal war between communities.
The opposition press secretary called on the governor to clear the air of allegations of links with his so-called nefarious paymasters, and that any attempt to play Kenyans against each other on tribal basis should be considered treachery to the leadership. He urged the nation to be united and he is reminding the leaders that they had the duty of fostering peace and not division.
Dr. Kituyi finished off the speech by stating that Kenya had acquired peace so hard that it should not be lost through reckless or conscious efforts of ethnic incitement. As a citizen, he called upon everyone, irrespective of their political affiliation, to shun divisive speech and embrace the constitutional principles of unity, equality, and diversity respect.
The argument over the statements of Governor Kahiga has brought heated debates in the political and the civil society front and most people are calling on the government to take a more decisive action to curb hate speech by government officials. Since the issue remains a nationwide concern, the leadership of the UDA and the council of governors are being pressurized to prove that they are willing to promote ethical governance and unity in the nation.
