- Some ODM officials have been called to stop Raila Odinga’s mourning for political gain
- Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga led some members of the party in the media where they criticized DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua
- They associated Gachagua with Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga whose remarks seemed to disparage Raila in his death
Politicized by the death of Raila Odinga continues to create emotions as all parties take harsh decisions to punish alleged opponents.
Source: Twitter
Absence of former Vice President Rigathi Gachagua in Raila Odinga’s last trip created a lot of emotions, with Kenyans debating whether his presence or lack thereof was important.
The Gachagua question on Raila’s last trip took a different turn on Tuesday, October 21, when Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga issued a rebuttal.
Kahiga, made a statement at the funeral in Kieni, where he appeared to celebrate Raila’s death, suggesting that it was God’s grace given to Mount Kenya.
He suggested that by joining the President’s government William RutoRaila evicted the Mt Kenya area, causing development and resources to be directed to Nyanza and Western Kenya.
That Raila’s death was a blessing to the people of Mount Kenya.
Those remarks caused a stir among those who belonged to Raila’s group.
Why did ODM leaders ban Gachagua from stepping on Bondo
On Wednesday, October 22, some ODM members announced that Gachagua will not be invited to Bondo to pay respects to the late Raila.
Led by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, the group, at press time in Kisumu, claimed that Kahiga’s views were approved by Gachagua.
In response, the ODM team vowed to prevent the former vice president from stepping on Bondo.
Why did Kenyans criticize ODM?
The statement drew criticism from Kenyans who saw it as a form of hate speech.
Although the ODM wing may have been greatly offended by Kahiga’s remarks, the critics argued that it is not appropriate to politicize Raila’s mourning.
By continuing the hostility against Gachagua and his allies, the group seemed to reflect the tribal animosity they had denounced 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 callous and unacceptable display of intolerance.
Below are some of their statements;
Did Rigathi Gachagua support Mutahi Kahiga’s statement?
In a joint statement, the opposition led by Gachagua distanced itself from Kahiga’s remarks, following allegations that he was speaking on behalf of senior leaders within their ranks.
Source: Facebook
Speaking through their spokesman, Mukhisa Kituyi, the opposition condemned Kahiga’s remarks as hate speech, stressing that no member of their coalition approved it.
They noted that Kahiga is collaborating with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), where he was re-elected as governor of Nyeri.
The opposition called on President William Ruto, as party leader, to summon Kahiga and hold him accountable for his remarks.
Despite Kahiga’s apology and resignation from the leadership of the Council of Governors, the opposition remained dissatisfied.
They argued that the gesture fell short and insisted that the CoG should formally charge him.
The position was supported by all opposition parties, including DCP under Gachagua, Wiper led by Kalonzo MusyokaPLP led by Martha Karua, DAP-K under Eugene Wamalwa, and DP led by Justin Muturi.
Read ENGLISH VERSION
Do you have an exciting story that you would like us to publish? Please contact us via news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
