The government has sent out a warning to all politicians following the acrimonious remarks made by Governor Mutahi Kahiga over the passing of Raila Odinga.
In a statement by the Government Spokesperson, Isaac Mwaura, on Wednesday, leaders were urged to desist from making discriminatory remarks, regardless of their stance on national politics.
This follows Kahiga's comments on Tuesday, in which he termed Raila Odinga's demise as a blessing to Mount Kenya, while alleging that all developments that would have been taken to the Nyanza region would be brought back to the Central region as the broad-based government scrambles back to the drawing board.
"At this delicate time of national grief, we urge all leaders to refrain from the language of hate and embrace the spirit of one united Kenya. Leaders may disagree and differ in opinions, but Kenya belongs to all of us," the statement read in part.
"The Government, therefore, calls upon all leaders across the political divide to uphold the values of the constitution and to honour the memory of the late Raila Odinga by promoting peace, unity, and dignity among all Kenyans."
As such, Mwaura relayed that the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and the DCI had been directed to take stern action against any leader found "fanning division and ethnic animosity".
He further insisted that Ruto's administration had taken on a decisive leadership tactic where every devolved unit gets its rightful share of the national cake.
"The President has risen above acrimonious politics, serving all Kenyans whether they voted for him or not and is ensuring that no corner of this nation is left behind. That is a show of true leadership anchored in national unity, inclusivity, and people-centredness," he emphasised.
Kahiga's remarks, recorded during a burial ceremony at his home village in Nyeri, have sparked a public uproar, with leaders of different political divides all terming the remarks as insensitive.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), led by its National Chairperson, Gladys Wanga, pushed for his removal as the vice chairperson in the Council of Governors (COG).
Hours after he made the remarks, on Wednesday morning, the Nyeri governor stepped down from his position in the COG, a move that the government spokesperson has acknowledged.
He also apologised to the Odinga family and Kenya at large, insisting that his words were misconstrued and he was just making an observation based on the current happenings in the broad-based government.
