Former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has urged Kenyans to
shun divisive and discriminatory remarks that threaten the country’s unity,
calling on citizens to emulate the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s
spirit of cohesion and nation-building.
Kidero said the best way to honour Raila’s legacy is by
promoting peace and togetherness among Kenyans.
“The best way to honour Hon. Raila is to abhor any form of
division or utterances that might cause disunity in our country. Raila stood
for national unity, and that is what we should espouse,” Kidero said.
He emphasized that Kenya’s progress and development depend
on the unity of its people, warning against the dangers of ethnic politics and
discrimination.
“Kenyans should shun tribalism, hate speech, and
discrimination that can cause enmity among communities. Every Kenyan should be
free to live and work anywhere in the country,” he added.
Kidero noted that Kenya’s workplaces and institutions
already reflect national diversity, and urged citizens to embrace inclusivity
regardless of race, language, religion, or region.
“Where we work today, we have all the tribes. And we are all
Kenyans. That is why we should discourage discrimination based on race,
language, colour, religion, or region where we come from,” he said.
His remarks came in the wake of public outrage over Nyeri
Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s controversial comments that appeared to celebrate
Raila’s death.
While addressing mourners in Nyeri, Kahiga was heard making
statements perceived as mocking the late opposition leader, suggesting that his
death would “free” government resources for the Mt Kenya region.
“The plan that had been hatched… all goodies were being
directed there because of tomorrow’s plans… but God came and brought this
thing,” Kahiga was quoted as saying in vernacular.
He went on to add, “God came through in his own way. He saw
that people in heaven were disagreeing and came for Baba so that he could go and
smooth things up there.”
The remarks sparked national outrage, with leaders and
citizens condemning them as insensitive and reckless.
Many said they not only mocked Raila’s death but also risked
fueling ethnic tension between communities.
Several leaders, including leaders of the ODM, came out to
strongly condemn the governor over his remarks.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) also
said that it was probing the matter and demanded an apology from Kahiga over
his sentiments.
Following the uproar, Governor Kahiga apologised to the
Odinga family and subsequently announced that he had resigned from his position
as vice chairperson of the Council of Governors.
"I want to sincerely apologise to our mourning nation,
to the family of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Mama Ida, her children
Rosemary, Junior and Winnie, Senator Oburu Oginga, Ruth Odinga, other siblings,
the larger extended family, the ODM fraternity, the Luo nation and the Kenyans
at large, and to my colleague leaders from all sides of the political devide
for any harm it has elicited," he said.
"The clip was taken while attending a burial in my home
village, and my remarks were in no way celebratory," he added.
