‘No Intention To Insult!’ – Governor Kahiga Apologizes to Maa Community After Laikipia Fiasco
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has apologised to the Maa community for controversial remarks he made during a burial on Monday, February 10.
The governor became embroiled in a controversy after utilizing an inference about the Maa people to underscore his break with the Kenya Kwanza government.
Governor Kahiga is a close associate of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Governor Kahiga’s words have sparked widespread criticism, not only from the Maa group but also from several Kenyans, who accuse him of making foolish statements that diminish the office he holds.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has apologised to the Maa community over comments he made in his Kikuyu language during a funeral in Laikipia, and said he didn't mean to offend anyone. pic.twitter.com/s3CPxNgmak
— TheStarKenya (@TheStarKenya) February 11, 2025
In response to criticism, Kahiga held a press conference on Tuesday morning, where he apologized to the Maa community.
“I would like to address comments made yesterday during a burial on Monday in Laikipia. Those comments were made in Kikuyu Dialect,” Kahiga stated.
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 apologized just hours after his Kajiado colleague, Joseph Ole Lenku, released a blistering statement.
Governor Lenku sought an apology for the statements, which were described as ‘unfortunate and unjustified’.
"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.
— Eng John Macharia (@EngJohnMachari1) February 11, 2025
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua must tame his so… pic.twitter.com/P5M4jP5ZVI
“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 asserting that Governor Kahiga’s words upset the Maasai community, Ole Lenku also issued a warning to Gachagua, urging the former Deputy President to ‘tame’ his allies.
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Gachagua’s mission to break President Ruto’s authority in the Mount Kenya region following his impeachment looks to be facing numerous challenges, some of which are caused by Gachagua’s allies.
Mutahi Kahiga’s statements, which targeted the Maa group on Monday, fueled criticism of Gachagua’s allies, who are routinely accused of indulging in divisive politics.
On Monday, Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere publicly accused Gachagua and his supporters of repeatedly utilizing their native dialect during political events in Central Kenya.
Her caustic statements not only startled mourners but also elicited strong reactions from Gachagua’s fervent fans, who got up and waved their hands in protest.
‘No Intention To Insult!’ – Governor Kahiga Apologizes to Maa Community After Laikipia Fiasco
