Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has blasted Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga for withholding the salary and allowances of his deputy Caroline Karugu for more than two years.
Odinga said it was a shame that Karugu had to move to court to push for her rights, yet she has been in office and delivering on her mandate.
“If you have a woman as a deputy, respect her and give her rights. You should not be having a deputy governor, and she is working, and you are not paying her any salary, and she has to go to court. Shame… Shame on you!” he said.
Raila was addressing mourners at the burial of Mama Jacinta Wanjiku Karugu, the mother to Nyeri Deputy Governor Caroline Karugu.
Governor Kahiga had earlier apologized for the fallout with his deputy but by the time the former premier rose to address the gathering he had already left the event.
“I wanted to say this when the governor was here. But again, he (Kahiga) has asked for forgiveness and said that he is going to do what he is supposed to be doing… But that should not be an excuse,” said Odinga.
He added: “Don’t disrespect our women. Our women must be treated with the respect they deserve. They are equal citizens, they pay taxes like anybody else.”
In September last year, Karugu sued the county Governor Mutahi Kahiga and the County Secretary over alleged withholding of her salary and being denied access to her office.
She submitted to the court that she had to personally pay for her fuel, security among other expenses incurred on official duty.
At the same event, Odinga drummed up support for the Azimio La Umoja movement reiterating that his goal was to ensure peace and unity in the country.
The 2022 presidential candidate said Azimio La Umoja would ensure nobody is discriminated against on the basis of gender, age or disability.
This is not the first time the two have been at loggerheads, during a political tour in the region by the ODM leader, Governor Kahiga blasted the presidential hopeful for his historical remarks saying the electorate does not want to rely on history but rather on what he will deliver.
