United Opposition demands action against Kahiga over hate speech remarks
By Kiprono Keileb, October 22, 2025The United Opposition of Kenya has condemned Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga over remarks they termed as hate speech, saying his words were dangerous and intended to divide the country along ethnic lines.
In a strong statement posted on X on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 and signed by its spokesperson, Mukhisa Kituyi, the coalition dismissed Kahiga’s apology and resignation as Vice Chair of the Council of Governors (CoG), calling them hurriedly scripted and insufficient to undo the damage caused.
“It is in our view not enough for Governor Kahiga to issue what was his hurriedly scripted apology that included his resignation as Vice Chairman of the Council of Governors. The CoG should, in public interest, first act swiftly and censor the Nyeri Governor for his clearly stage-managed comments that are clearly designed to ignite an ethnic war,” part of the statement reads.
The coalition called out the Nyeri Governor, saying he is used by unnamed nefarious paymasters to stir ethnic tensions between communities, saying his comments went against all principles of unity and peace.
“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 shocking statement that is contrary to any ideals of public good and against all human understanding,” Kituyi said.
In the same breath, the United Opposition urged the Governor to reveal the individuals allegedly behind his divisive remarks, warning that their actions could spark a dangerous conflict. “Governor Kahiga should, for his sake and that of his constituents and family, publicly expose these insidious and nefarious men and women who are seemingly hell-bent on igniting a tribal war between our Luo and Kikuyu brothers, an act that must be wholly condemned and considered an act of treason against the People of the Republic of Kenya,” the statement added.
Kituyi clarified that Kahiga is not a member of the United Opposition, emphasising that he was elected on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket. The coalition called on President William Ruto, UDA Chairperson Cecily Mbarire, and Secretary General Hassan Omar to denounce the Governor’s sentiments and issue a formal apology to the nation.
The United Opposition further urged the Council of Governors to take disciplinary action, saying Kenya’s unity must not be compromised by careless political statements.