Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura/FILEThe government has issued a stern warning to politicians against making statements that could fuel division and ethnic animosity in the country, following remarks attributed to Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga.
In a statement released Wednesday, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura described Kahiga’s comments as “unpatriotic, regrettable, and extremely unfortunate,” especially at a time when the nation is mourning the death of Raila Odinga, whom he lauded as a “respected statesman.”
“We condemn such divisive, insensitive, and disrespectful remarks,” said Mwaura.
“At this delicate time of national grief, leaders should refrain from inflammatory rhetoric and instead embrace the spirit of unity.”
The spokesperson reiterated that under President William Samoei Ruto’s administration, all counties are receiving their fair share of national resources without bias or discrimination.
“Under President Ruto’s decisive leadership, every devolved unit gets its rightful share of the national cake,” the statement read.
He said: “The President has risen above acrimonious politics, serving all Kenyans, whether they voted for him or not, and ensuring that no region is left behind. That is true leadership anchored in unity, inclusivity, and people-centered service.”
Mwaura emphasised that national healing and cohesion must take precedence during this period of mourning, urging political leaders to demonstrate maturity and patriotism in their public conduct.
The government also welcomed Governor Kahiga’s resignation as the vice chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG), describing it as an appropriate step under the circumstances.
At the same time, Mwaura called upon the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to take “stern action” against any leader found propagating hate speech or promoting ethnic divisions.
“We urge NCIC and DCI to take firm action against any leader fanning division and ethnic animosity in line with Section 13 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act (NCIA) and other relevant laws,” the statement read.
The spokesperson underscored that Kenya’s Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, but such freedoms must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law.
Mwaura appealed to all political leaders across the divide to honor the memory of the late Raila Odinga by promoting peace, tolerance, and national dignity.
"Leaders may disagree in opinion, but Kenya belongs to all of us,” he said.
“Let us use this moment of reflection to strengthen our unity, respect each other, and uphold the values enshrined in our Constitution.”
Politicians from across the divide united Wednesday to criticise Kahiga over his remarks terming it reckless.
During a funeral in Nyeri, Governor Kahiga claimed that the political arrangement between President William Ruto and Raila Odinga had shifted government development priorities toward the Nyanza region, denying Mt. Kenya a share of government resources.
Speaking in his native Kikuyu dialect, Kahiga told mourners that Raila’s death had levelled the playing field forcing all political players, including President Ruto, to return to the drawing board ahead of the 2027 General Election.
"I want to sincerely apologise to our mourning nation, to the family of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Mama Ida, her children Rosemary, Junior and Winnie, Senator Oburu Oginga, Ruth Odinga, other siblings, the larger extended family, the ODM fraternity, the Luo nation and the Kenyans at large, and to my colleague leaders from all sides of the political divide for any harm it has elicited," he said.
He then announced his resignation: "I am taking responsibility and resigning with immediate effect as the vice chair of the Council of Governors.”
