Governor Mutahi Kahiga Apologises to Maa Community Over Remarks at Funeral

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has apologised to the Maa community after a controversial comments he made during a burial on Monday, February 10.

The governor, who is a close ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, was caught up in the controversy after using an innuendo referring to the Maa community to highlight his severed ties with the Kenya Kwanza government.

Governor Kahiga’s comments have since elicited nationwide criticism, not only from the Maa community, but a section of Kenyans, who accused him of making reckless statements that demean the office he holds. 

In the wake of criticism, Kahiga called a press conference on Tuesday morning, where he offered his apology to the Maa community, saying, “I would like to address comments made yesterday during a burial on Monday in Laikipia. Those comments were made in Kikuyu Dialect.”

The governor added: “I’ve been informed that the comments have irked the Maa community and I would like to send my apologies to anyone who I may have offended.  We did not intend to offend or insult anyone from any community, especially the Maa people, whom we share a rich history.”

Kahiga’s apology came just hours after his Kajiado counterpart Joseph Ole Lenku issued a scathing statement, demanding an apology for the comments, which were dubbed ‘unfortunate and unprovoked’.

“My colleague, Governor Mutahi Kahiga of Nyeri, must apologize to the Maa Nation for his unwarranted, unfortunate, unprovoked and demeaning slur against the Maasai Community at a burial in Laikipia County yesterday,” Ole Lenku said in his statement.

While insisting that the Maasai community was offended by Governor Kahiga’s comments, Ole Lenku also issued a warning to Gachagua, asking the former Deputy President to ‘tame’ his allies.

Dig deeper: Gachagua’s mission to sever President Ruto’s influence in the Mount Kenya region after his impeachment appears to be hitting several hurdles, some of which are inflicted by Gachagua’s allies.

Mutahi Kahiga’s remarks serve as a classic example, as his comments targeting the Maa community on Monday intensified criticism toward Gachagua’s allies, who are frequently accused of engaging in divisive politics.

A situation unfolded on Monday when Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere openly accused Gachagua and his supporters of regularly using their local dialect during political activities in Central Kenya.

Her scathing remarks not only left mourners stunned but also provoked strong reactions from Gachagua’s staunch supporters, some of whom stood up and waved their hands in protest.