By Murugi Ndwiga
Mount Kenya East Governors have strongly distanced themselves from Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s controversial remarks regarding the death of former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, which have sparked outrage across the country.
Speaking in Kathwana, Tharaka Nithi County, during the signing of a Waste Management Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the leaders, led by Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, who is also the UDA National Chairperson, condemned Kahiga’s utterances as “personal and irresponsible.”
“As Governors from Mount Kenya East, we were shocked by those sentiments,” said Governor Mbarire. “Those utterances were purely personal. They do not represent the views of our counties or the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).”
Mbarire emphasized that the region has greatly benefited from ongoing national government development projects, citing road construction, modern markets, affordable housing, and the roll-out of subsidized fertilizer programs.
She highlighted that Mount Kenya East continues to receive equitable development and noted the President’s recent Mashujaa Day announcement to construct a dual carriageway from Makutano in Mwea to Meru, calling it a “game changer” for the region’s economy and connectivity.
In her statement, Mbarire reaffirmed the region’s support for President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, urging leaders to focus on unity and respect:
“As leaders, we must remember that the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga played a pivotal role in bringing devolution to Kenya. We owe him respect for his legacy and contribution to our democracy.”
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki on his part, echoed Mbarire’s sentiments, saying Kahiga’s remarks were a disgrace to African values.
“It is against our culture to celebrate the death of anyone, friend or enemy.”Governor Muthomi said. He added, “Life is sacred and only God has the power to give or take it.”
Governor Muthomi, also clarified that no regional meeting had been held, as Kahiga had suggested, terming the association of his remarks with Mount Kenya East leaders as “misleading and false.”
Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma M’Ethingia also condemned Kahiga’s comments, describing Raila Odinga as the father of devolution and a pillar of Kenya’s democratic journey.
“Those utterances do not reflect our values or our leadership. We completely disassociate ourselves from them,” he said.
Mutuma added that the leaders would soon hold consultative meetings to chart a development road map for the region.
The three Governors; Mbarire of Embu, Muthomi of Tharaka Nithi, and Mutuma of Meru, signed a joint Waste Management MoU, marking what they called a “transformative milestone” in tackling waste challenges across Embu, Meru, and Tharaka Nithi counties.
They announced plans to establish a regional waste processing and recycling plant aimed at promoting clean energy, circular economy practices, and environmental sustainability.
The project is expected to create green jobs, enhance public health, and preserve the region’s natural environment.
According to the Governors, the partnership marks the start of a shared journey toward a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous Mount Kenya East.