Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has issued a public apology to the Maasai community following controversial remarks he made during a funeral in Laikipia County on Monday, February 10.
The governor, a close ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, was accused of mocking the Maasai community with inappropriate innuendo. His comments, made in Kikuyu dialect during the funeral, were widely interpreted as a reference to the Maasai people in relation to the Kenya Kwanza government he serves under. The remarks sparked immediate criticism from various quarters, with many questioning the appropriateness of his statements, especially considering the high office he holds.
The backlash quickly spread beyond the Maasai community, with other groups also condemning his words. The criticisms highlighted how the comments insulted not only the Maasai but also the office of the governor itself, reflecting a lack of consideration for the potential consequences of such remarks.
In response to the growing uproar, Governor Kahiga called a press conference on Tuesday morning, where he apologized for his actions. "I would like to address the comments I made yesterday during a burial in Laikipia. These comments, which I made in Kikuyu dialect, have clearly irritated the Maasai community," he stated. "I sincerely apologize to the Maasai community and anyone who I may have offended."
Kahiga's apology came after strong calls for him to make amends. His counterpart, Kajiado Governor Joseph Olelenku, was among those demanding an apology, urging Kahiga to take responsibility for his words. "My colleague, Governor Mutahi Kahiga of Nyeri County, you must apologize to the Maasai community," Governor Olelenku said.
The apology marks an effort to mend relations with the Maasai community and reassure the public that such comments will not be tolerated in the future. It also serves as a reminder of the sensitivity required from leaders, particularly in public forums, where their words can have a wide-reaching impact.
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