Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani on Friday, January 26 gave ODM Leader Raila Odinga a seven-day ultimatum to apologise over his “huyo ni bibi ya Mvurya” remarks.
In a statement seen by TV47 Digital, Governor Achani says that Raila’s remarks are not only defamatory but also a form of gender-based violence (GBV).
Raila made the remarks on Thursday, January 25 during a mass recruitment drive of the ODM Party in Diani, Kwale County.
“The comments directed towards H.E Governor Fatuma Achani, the first and only female Governor in the entire Coast region, are regrettable…These demeaning and uncalled-for remarks are not only disrespectful to Governor Achani but also undermine the progress made in bridging the third gender rule gap in the country,” the statement reads in part.
‘I will sue you’
Failure to issue an apology, the governor says she will sue ODM as a party and Raila as an individual.
“This incident highlights the county government’s unwavering commitment to combating SGBV and upholding the dignity of women in Kenya. We stand firm in our dedication to the principles of the third gender rule and the just passed Bill on SGBV in Kwale County… and call for a respectful and inclusive discourse in our
political landscape.”
A section of residents has slammed Raila over the remarks. They say that Governor Achani, a married woman and devoted Muslim, deserves respect for her leadership role in Kwale County.