Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga sparked outrage after making controversial remarks seen as politicising and mocking the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Speaking in his native Kikuyu language at a burial ceremony in Nyeri, Kahiga suggested that Odinga’s death was God’s plan to get the Mt Kenya region back to enjoying State resources that had been diverted elsewhere.
In the short video that has gone viral on social media, the Nyeri Governor claimed that the political arrangement between President William Ruto and Raila Odinga had shifted government development priorities toward the Nyanza region.
He went on to suggest that Raila’s death had “levelled the playing field,” forcing all political players—including the President—to return to the drawing board ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“You guys can see, you can see what had been planned but God brought something up. Now it’s total confusion. Everybody can see that. We did not harbor hate for anyone but God came through for us.
Because the plan that had been hatched if you look keenly, for you who do not travel because I was in that region, all goodies were being directed there because of tomorrow’s plans because it seemed like they did away with us but God came and brought this thing,” says Kahiga.
“So now people have been told to go back to the drawing board because the plan that was there was probably to throw us out. But who is God. Does he take ugali at somebody’s house or sleep in Kayole? He came through in his own way. He saw up there people in heaven are disagreeing a lot and came for Baba so that he can go and smoothen things up there.”
His remarks drew widespread condemnation from leaders across the political divide, who have termed them insensitive and divisive.
East African Community (EAC) Principal Secretary Dr Caroline Karugu was among the first to respond, describing Kahiga’s remarks as “silly and deeply unfortunate.”
“Governor Kahiga’s celebratory remarks that Luo-Nyanza will now be poorer because Raila Odinga is no more are silly and deeply unfortunate. They do not reflect the views of the majority of us from the region. Even the wicked should have the decency to let mourners grieve in peace. Truly, from the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks—and we will know them by their words,” Dr. Karugu said.
Nyandarua Senator John Methu also criticised the governor, saying: “Kahiga as decided that he and recklessness will walk hand in hand. That was an extremely unfortunate statement.”
Former nominated Senator Millicent Omanga echoed similar sentiments, accusing the Nyeri Governor of fueling ethnic divisions at a time when the nation is in mourning.
“Ethnic profiling is unacceptable, more so when it comes from elected leaders. For Governor Mutahi Kahiga to stoke division while the nation mourns a hero is not just irresponsible, it’s dangerous. He must be held accountable,” Omanga stated.
ODM Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has strongly condemned Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga over what she described as “primitive, insensitive, and insulting” remarks regarding the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Wanga expressed deep offense at Governor Kahiga’s public comments, in which he appeared to politicize and mock the death of Raila Odinga.
“For three consecutive days before his death, Raila Odinga expressed shock at the capacity of human beings to be evil and heartless following disturbing social media posts announcing his death and even displaying images of his ‘body’ being received at Lee Funeral Home. He believed this was politics at its dirtiest,” Wanga stated.
She further accused Kahiga of long-standing ethnic profiling, particularly against the Luo community and Raila Odinga, describing his latest remarks as “a new low in our politics.”
“As Kahiga’s colleague, I am ashamed of his words. I am offended as the Chairperson of ODM and as a believer in Raila Odinga and what he stood for. Kahiga’s outbursts are a direct assault on the values of unity, respect, and nationhood that we must all uphold,” she said.
Wanga called on all Kenyans who value peace and unity to reject and condemn what she termed as tribal chauvinism. She warned that such rhetoric, if left unchecked, could destabilize the country and lead it down a dangerous path.
“This kind of hate speech has ignited flames in other nations. It can happen here too if we allow people like Kahiga to normalize such dangerous thinking. Kenya belongs to all of us. No one tribe owns this country,” she warned.
She demanded immediate resignation of Governor Kahiga as Vice Chair of the Council of Governors, saying his continued leadership role is incompatible with the values of national cohesion and mutual respect.
“This country deserves better leadership. Kahiga must go,” Wanga declared.
Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui said the statement is regrettable and most unfortunate.
“It reflects a narrow mindset that thrives on isolation as a survival strategy. It neither captures the national mood nor adds value to a nation in mourning. At best, it is a cheap digression and a personal opinion.”
“It serves as yet another reminder of how low leadership can sometimes sink.
Baba’s dream for Kenya was never a secret. We salute him as a true Kenyan hero,” he said.
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