The United Opposition has called for the immediate resignation of Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, accusing him of making reckless and divisive statements unworthy of a public officer.
Speaking during an interview on NTV on Thursday, United Opposition Spokesperson Mukhisa Kituyi condemned the governor’s remarks as “irresponsible and unbecoming,” saying they undermined national unity and violated the principles of integrity and respect for all Kenyans.
“The sentiments were extremely irresponsible for national interests for a person holding high office to say such reckless utterances. We have to express our outrage; that’s why we find it necessary to dissociate ourselves,” Kituyi stated.
Kituyi emphasized that Nyeri’s political influence and historical significance demand leaders who embody unity rather than division. He urged Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to begin impeachment proceedings should Kahiga fail to resign.
“Nyeri is an important part of the country and holds a very important place in the nation’s history. He should step down, and if that is not the case, then Nyeri has enough MCAs to start his impeachment,” he added.
The spokesperson clarified that Governor Kahiga has never attended any United Opposition meetings nor held any role within the coalition. He also urged Kahiga’s party, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), to take internal disciplinary action, including dewhipping him for his remarks.
Joining the chorus of criticism, Thirdway Alliance leader Ekuru Aukot labeled Kahiga’s statements as “primitive and backward,” warning that such utterances could inflame ethnic tensions.
“It has brought a lot of ethnic tensions and hatred. If you saw the kind of reaction from the ODM side and many Kenyans, people have called him names,” Aukot said.
Aukot called on Nyeri MCAs to invoke Chapter Six of the Constitution on leadership and integrity, insisting that Kahiga’s behavior had tarnished the dignity of his office.
“I am hoping that Nyeri MCAs will start an impeachment process,” Aukot concluded.
As pressure mounts, all eyes are now on the Nyeri County Assembly and UDA’s disciplinary organs to determine the governor’s political fate.
