Mutula Kilonzo walks back 'reckless' HIV remarks after uproar

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has come under fire for comments he made about the high prevalence of HIV in Homa Bay County.

The remarks have since sparked public backlash and drawn criticism on social media, with netizens accusing him of stigmatisation.

While flagging off a delegation of county staff traveling for inter-county games, Mutula warned them about the high HIV rates in Homa Bay, citing what he called a lack of stigma surrounding the disease in the area.

Referencing a song by Longombas about the dangers of HIV, the governor told the team to be careful during their stay.

“Homa Bay is a good county, but they like enjoyment more than we do in Makueni, and I must say this because I'll be responsible if I didn’t. They don’t have a problem with HIV—there’s no stigma attached to it—so I ask you to be cautious,” he said.

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Mutula also mentioned the prevalence of other diseases in the region, including malaria and other water-borne illnesses.

However, the Makueni Governor was forced to issue a public apology, saying he did not intend to demean the county or its residents.

“I was cautioning the youth. I realise that my remarks on HIV/AIDS in Homa Bay caused misunderstanding. My apologies to Governor Gladys Wanga and the people of Homa Bay,” he said.

The remarks sparked criticism, with many social media users calling them reckless and stigmatising.

“We must call out such careless, region-shaming rhetoric. HIV is not a joke. Neither is leadership,” posted one user.

Another X user noted, “Homa Bay has battled high HIV rates with courage, community support, and awareness—not shame. Leaders should fight ignorance, not fuel it."