- A section of ODM officials have been called out for ringfencing the mourning of Raila Odinga for political expediency
- Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga led a section of party membership in a presser in which they castigated DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua
- They linked Gachagua to Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga whose utterances seemed to despise Raila in his death
Eli, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
The politicisation of Raila Odinga’s death continues to stir up emotions as sides take radical decisions to punish their supposed adversaries.
Source: Twitter
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s absence from Raila Odinga’s final journey sparked widespread reactions, with Kenyans debating whether his presence, or lack thereof, was significant.
The Gachagua question in Raila’s final journey took a different turn on Tuesday, October 21, when Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga made incediary remarks.
Kahiga, made statements at a funeral in Kieni, where he appeared to celebrate Raila’s death, suggesting it was a divine favour granted to the Mt Kenya region.
He suggested that by joining President William Ruto’s government, Raila had dislodged the Mt Kenya region, causing development and resources to be channelled to Nyanza and Western Kenya.
That Raila’s death was a blessing for the Mt Kenya people.
The utterances riled up emotions in those who belonged to Raila’s fold.
Why ODM officials banned Gachagua from Bondo
On Wednesday, October 22, a section of ODM members declared that Gachagua would not be welcome in Bondo to pay tribute to the late Raila.
Led by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, the group, during their presser in Kisumu, alleged that Kahiga’s sentiments had Gachagua’s endorsement.
In response, the ODM team vowed to block the former deputy president from setting foot in Bondo.
Why Kenyans lashed out at ODM
The declaration drew criticism from Kenyans who viewed it as a form of hate speech.
While the ODM faction may have been deeply offended by Kahiga’s remarks, the critics argued that politicising Raila’s mourning was inappropriate.
By promoting hostility toward Gachagua and his allies, the group was seen as mirroring the ethnic animosity they had condemned in Kahiga.
They reminded the group that every Kenyan has the right to visit any part of the country, describing the threat against Gachagua as a reckless and unacceptable display of intolerance.
Below are some of the reactions;
Did Rigathi Gachagua endorse Mutahi Kahiga’s remarks?
In a joint statement, the Gachagua-led opposition distanced itself from Kahiga’s remarks, following claims that he was speaking on behalf of senior figures within their ranks.
Source: Facebook
Speaking through their spokesperson, Mukhisa Kituyi, the opposition condemned Kahiga’s comments as hate speech, asserting that no member of their coalition had endorsed them.
They noted that Kahiga is affiliated with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), under which he was re-elected as Nyeri governor.
The opposition urged President William Ruto, as the party leader, to summon Kahiga and hold him accountable for his statements.
Despite Kahiga’s apology and his resignation from the Council of Governors leadership, the opposition remained unsatisfied.
They argued that the gesture fell short and insisted that the CoG should formally censure him.
The stance was backed by all opposition parties, including DCP under Gachagua, Wiper led by Kalonzo Musyoka, PLP headed by Martha Karua, DAP-K under Eugene Wamalwa, and DP led by Justin Muturi.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
