The United Opposition has disowned Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga while denouncing his viral remarks over Raila Odinga's demise.
In a statement signed by Spokesperson Mukhisa Khituyi, the opposition condemned Kahiga's sentiments while also criticising the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) over the remarks.
According to the opposition, Kahiga is not affiliated with any party under their umbrella and was elected under the UDA ticket.
"For the record, Governor Kahiga was elected on the United Democratic Alliance [UDA] Party ticket. He is not a member of the United Opposition or any party under our umbrella," UDA said in a statement.
Governor Kahiga courted controversy on Tuesday during a funeral after he appeared to celebrate the demise of Raila, stating that the former premier's demise was a blessing in disguise for the Mt Kenya region.
The county boss also controversially maintained that the former Prime Minister's handshake with President William Ruto had shifted government resources to the Nyanza region.
Kahiga has since issued a public apology and tendered his resignation as Vice Chair of the Council of Governors (COG), but the opposition insists that is not enough.
In their statement, the opposition wants UDA Party Leader President William Ruto, the party's chairperson Cecily Mbarire and Secretary General Hassan Omar to publicly condemn the governor, arguing that silence from UDA leadership fuelled the tribal rhetoric.
It added, "Governor Kahiga's despicable sentiments should, in One Accord, be wholly condemned by all Kenyans, starting with his UDA Party Leader, that is President William Samoei Ruto, his Chairman, that is Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire; and his Secretary General, that is Senator Hassan Omar. Indeed, UDA should have by now issued a censure and public apology statement."
The coalition further called on the Council of Governors to take disciplinary action against Kahiga, arguing that his apology was a damage control attempt which lacked sincerity.
The opposition's statement went a step further by alleging that unnamed elements were using the governor as their mouthpiece to further a tribal agenda.
"Governor Kahiga should inform Kenyans why his nefarious paymasters chose him at such a time as this to be their mouthpiece, and issue in his vernacular tongue, an absolutely shocker of a statement that is contrary to any ideals of public good and against all human understanding," the statement went on.
In the wake of Kahiga's comments, ODM, through the party's national chairperson Gladys Wanga, vowed the party would not associate with any of Gachagua's acquaintances, since the party believes Kahiga's comments also represented the former DP's stance.
"What I know is that Kahiga does not speak for himself. Kahiga is the Spokesperson of Rigathi Gachagua," she claimed.
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