Nairobi: Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary, Mutahi Kagwe, has strongly condemned remarks attributed to Nyeri Governor regarding the demise of former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, terming them culturally repugnant, morally indefensible, and politically retrogressive. Speaking on Tuesday at KICC during the launch of the 5th National Agribusiness Summit, Kagwe described Dr. Mutahi Kahiga's comments as insensitive and disrespectful to the grieving family and the nation at large.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kagwe, who is the only Cabinet Secretary from Nyeri and a former Nyeri Senator, expressed his personal sense of mourning alongside the rest of Kenyans and the Nyeri community. He emphasized that speaking ill of those who have passed on is culturally unacceptable and warned of potential curses, highlighting that such statements are made on an individual basis and do not reflect the views of the community.
Kagwe cautioned public figures against making divisive statements that could inflame emotions and erode national unity. He emphasized that leadership requires restraint, empathy, and moral discipline, especially during moments of national loss. He urged leaders to be cautious about their words to prevent divisive and hurtful sentiments from spreading.
The CS clarified that Dr. Kahiga's remarks were personal and not representative of the people of Nyeri or the national leadership. He called on Kenyans to rise above political differences and show compassion during such times. Kagwe reiterated that making indefensible remarks is not acceptable within the community or the broader human race and emphasized the importance of sympathy and unity in times of mourning.
Kagwe's condemnation followed Dr. Kahiga's apology for his remarks about Raila's death, which he had termed a blessing in disguise for the people of Mount Kenya. This apology came after a public backlash and Dr. Kahiga's subsequent resignation as the Vice-chairperson of the Council of Governors.