Moses Kuria apologises to Raila Odinga for unsavoury remarks during the electioneering period
Public Service and Delivery Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has issued an apology to Azimio leader Raila Odinga for derogatory remarks he made about him during the election campaign, following in the footsteps of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
On Monday, Gahcagua extended an apology and conveyed regret to former First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta for alleged disrespectful conduct during the heightened political climate preceding the 2022 general election.
Kuria stated on Tuesday that the DP’s initiative towards reconciliation, which he claimed was the sole means of uniting the nation, had established a precedent.
“I want to thank and laud Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for leading in the rallying call on forgiveness. To those I have aggrieved in the past, including former Prime Minister Raila Odinga who I called on the same, I offer my unreserved due apologies. Let us focus our energies on nation-building,” Kuria said.
Kuria delivered the remarks during the burial of Mama Dorcas Muhihu, the mother of Bishop JJ Gitahi, in Kaibaga, Nyandarua County.
The Deputy President was present at the event.
Kuria and the ODM leader have had a relationship that is most accurately characterised as bittersweet; at one point, the CS stated that anyone who believed the two were enemies would be foolish.
Kuria, who was the Trade CS at the time, stated on Citizen TV’s JK Live on October 8, 2023 that he has a fine relationship with Raila outside of politics, but that the only point of diversion was the mass demonstrations called by the Azimio boss at the time.
“I do not know how on earth someone could come between me and Raila Odinga. If you try to come between me and Raila Odinga, you will be a fool, because he is my friend,” Kuria said.
“I only said what I said about those people who were demonstrating,” Kuria explained when questioned on his vile remarks against Raila.
Gachagua beseeched the former first lady, Mama Ngina, in his contrition on Monday to forgive her of the misdeeds committed against her during the height of the political climate.
An interview with Kameme FM was conducted at the residence of the DP in Karen.
Amid allegations that the former first family evaded tax payments during the presidency of her son Uhuru Kenyatta, Mama Ngina defended her family early last year.
Regarding her compliance with tax obligations, she denied the allegations and, on February 5, 2023, challenged the government to pursue legal action, stating that she had nothing to conceal.
“Hakuna haja ya kuharibia wengine majina na mimi ndio watu wasikike wanafanya kazi. Hapana, mtu ashtakiwe, alipe kile anatakiwa kulipa,” Mama Ngina said during a church function in Lamu.
(There is no need of tainting my name and other people’s names to be seen to be working. Let those accused be taken to court and pay what they owe)
“Mambo ya kodi ni lazima. Mkubwa ama mdogo lazima alipe kodi kulingana na uwezo wake na mapato yake. Hiyo sio kazi ya kuzungumza kwa magazeti na kwa mikutano na kwa tv,” she added.
(Paying taxes is a must regardless of one’s status; everyone has to pay tax according to their income. That is not something you put in newspapers and discuss at events and on TV)
Gachagua reaffirmed the significance of forgiveness and urged Kenyans to peacefully resolve their political differences while speaking at Kaibaga.
He expressed remorse for the burial ceremony altercation that occurred last weekend between supporters of Ford Kenya leader and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and those of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
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Moses Kuria apologises to Raila Odinga for unsavoury remarks during the electioneering period
