Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani demands apology from Raila within 7 days

Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has demanded an apology from ODM leader Raila Odinga within 7 days, failure to which she will take legal action against him for allegedly insinuating that she has a romantic relationship with Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya.

In a statement through Kwale County Government Director of Communications and Spokesperson Nicky Gitonga, Governor Achani said the utterances by the opposition leader were meant to oppress women leadership in the country and propagate Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

She termed the sentiments “demeaning and disrespectful”, saying that if Mr. Odinga does not tender an apology to her within a week, then she will go ahead to sue him as well as his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.

“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,” Mr. Gitonga said in the statement.

“Governor Achani, a married woman and devoted Muslim, deserves respect for her leadership role in Kwale. The people of Kwale County demand a formal apology within the next 7 days. Failure to comply will result in legal action against ODM as a party and Raila Odinga as an individual.”

At the same time, a section of religious leaders and activists in Kwale County condemned Mr. Odinga’s utterances saying they were geared towards frustrating Achani's marriage and causing family chaos.

Mr. Odinga was speaking during his Kwale tour to launch the ODM party members’ recruitment drive on Thursday when he accepted an apology from Kwale Senator Issa Juma Boy and Women Representative Fatuma Masito whom have been seen to be closely working with Governor Achani, who is allied to the ruling Kenya Kwanza alliance.

The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya chief went ahead to chide Governor Achani and intimate that she had a relationship with CS Mvurya, the former Kwale County boss whom she deputised for ten years and who then backed her candidature 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.