Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has called on ODM leader Raila Odinga to apologize within seven days for suggesting she has a romantic relationship with Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya.
If an apology is not issued, Governor Achani plans to take legal action against Odinga and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.
In a statement conveyed by Kwale County Government Director of Communications and Spokesperson Nicky Gitonga, Governor Achani denounced Odinga’s remarks as an attempt to suppress women’s leadership and promote Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
Describing the comments as “demeaning and disrespectful,” Gitonga emphasized that these statements not only disrespect Governor Achani but also hinder progress in achieving the third-gender rule in the country.
“Sexual and Gender-based violence is one of the most obstinate violations of human rights across the globe.
These demeaning and uncalled-for remarks are not only disrespectful to Governor Achani but also undermine the progress of trade in bridging the third-gender rule gap in the country,” stated Gitonga.
Governor Achani, a married woman and dedicated Muslim, demands respect for her leadership role in Kwale.
The people of Kwale County are seeking a formal apology within the next seven days, and failure to comply will result in legal action against both ODM as a party and Raila Odinga as an individual.
Religious leaders and activists in Kwale County have also condemned Odinga’s comments, suggesting that they aim to disrupt Achani’s marriage and create family turmoil.
Odinga made the controversial statements during his Kwale tour to launch the ODM party members’ recruitment drive, where he accepted apologies from Kwale Senator Issa Juma Boy and Women Representative Fatuma Masito, who have been closely associated with Governor Achani within the ruling Kenya Kwanza alliance.
Odinga went on to criticize Governor Achani and insinuated a relationship with CS Mvurya, the former Kwale County boss whom she deputized for ten years and who supported her candidacy in the 2022 elections.
“Sasa nimemwambia huyo jamaa ile fununu naskia, maanake mimi niko na sikio pande hii, naskia wamesema ati wewe umeingia pande ile sana.
Unamkaribia yeye sana na unajua yeye ni bibi wa Mvurya,” Mr. Odinga said amidst laughter.
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