Raila Threatened With Lawsuit Over Claiming Governor Is Dating Ruto CS
It all began on Wednesday, January 24 when Raila, while addressing an Orange Democratic Movement Delegates (ODM) delegates meeting in Kwale, claimed that Governor Achani was having an affair with Mvurya.
Marvin Chege 
Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has threatened to sue Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga should he, after seven days, fail to apologise to her for alleging a relationship between her and Mining Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya.
It all began on Wednesday, January 24 when Raila, while addressing an Orange Democratic Movement Delegates (ODM) delegates meeting in Kwale, claimed that Governor Achani was having an affair with Mvurya.
“The rumours I am hearing, you know I have two ears. So this side I am hearing that I have gone too much on Mama’s side, and you know she is the wife of Mvurya," Raila claimed.
Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani during a past address. /FILE
Governor Achani, who was not present at the Baraza Park in Matuga forum claimed that she was offended by Raila's comments.
The UDA governor thus gave Raila seven days from Friday, January 26, to withdraw his remark and issue an apology.
Furthermore, Nicky Gitonga, her communications director and spokesperson revealed in a statement that Raila's remarks were regrettable, stressing the seriousness of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) as a persistent violation of human rights globally.
"Sexual and Gender-based violence (GBV) 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 made in bridging the third-gender rule gap in the country.
"Governor Achani, a married woman and devoted Muslim, deserves respect for her leadership role in Kwale County. The statement by Raila Odinga, specifically the phrase "huyo ni bibi ya Mvurya," is deemed defamatory," Gitonga condemned Odinga.
He also warned that the county government would move to take legal action against ODM as a party and Raila Odinga as an individual should the latter fail to heed their demands.
"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," the statement added.
Raila is on a week-long coastal tour to popularise ODM's mass recruitment drive. On Friday, he toured Mombasa and Taita Taveta a day after visiting Lamu and Tana River counties.
On Tuesday, he welcomed back other politicians who had abandoned his party to join the Kenya Kwanza bandwagon.
Raila's remarks at Achani were seen to be bordering on defamation, which in Kenyan law warrants a hefty fine.
Any person who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with an enforcement notice commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding Ksh5 million or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or to both.
Mvurya was yet to comment on Raila's remarks by the time of publishing this article.
