Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has publicly apologised to the Maa community following remarks he made during a burial in Laikipia County on Monday, February 10.
The governor, known for his close ties to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, found himself at the center of a political storm after making a comment in Kikuyu dialect, which was widely interpreted as an innuendo targeting the Maa community. His statement, meant to highlight his fallout with the Kenya Kwanza government, instead sparked outrage among the Maa people and a section of Kenyans who criticized him for making divisive and reckless remarks.
Governor Kahiga Issues Public Apology
Amid mounting criticism, Governor Kahiga called a press conference on Tuesday morning to address the issue. In his statement, he admitted that his remarks had been misconstrued and offended the Maa community, prompting his formal apology.
“I would like to address comments made yesterday during a burial on Monday in Laikipia. Those comments were made in Kikuyu dialect. I’ve been informed that the comments have irked the Maa community, and I would like to send my apologies to anyone who I may have offended. We did not intend to offend or insult anyone from any community, especially the Maa people, whom we share a rich history,” Kahiga stated.
Governor Ole Lenku Condemns Kahiga’s Remarks
Kahiga’s apology came just hours after Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku issued a scathing statement demanding an unreserved apology from his Nyeri counterpart.
“My colleague, Governor Mutahi Kahiga of Nyeri, must apologize to the Maa Nation for his unwarranted, unfortunate, unprovoked, and demeaning slur against the Maasai community at a burial in Laikipia County yesterday,” Ole Lenku declared.
He went further to issue a warning to Rigathi Gachagua, urging the former Deputy President to rein in his allies and discourage divisive political rhetoric.
Political Fallout and Gachagua’s Mount Kenya Influence
The controversy surrounding Kahiga’s comments has escalated tensions within the political landscape, particularly in Mount Kenya, where Rigathi Gachagua’s influence has been under scrutiny following his impeachment as Deputy President.
- Gachagua’s efforts to consolidate political support in Mount Kenya have faced several setbacks, many of which are self-inflicted by his allies.
- Governor Kahiga’s remarks are the latest example, intensifying criticism towards the faction allied to Gachagua, which is often accused of fueling ethnic divisions.
- Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere added fuel to the fire on Monday, accusing Gachagua and his supporters of exclusively using their local dialect during political engagements in Central Kenya.
Her remarks stunned mourners at the burial, provoking heated reactions from Gachagua’s supporters, some of whom stood up and waved their hands in protest.
Conclusion
Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s apology underscores the growing sensitivity of ethnic relations in Kenyan politics. While his remarks may have been unintended, the public backlash highlights the need for political leaders to exercise caution in their language to avoid offending communities or deepening ethnic divisions.
As the political dynamics within Mount Kenya and the broader national landscape evolve, this incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance leaders must maintain to foster unity rather than division.
