Opposition Condemn Governor Kahiga Over Remarks on Raila Odinga’s Death

The political storm surrounding Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga intensified on Wednesday after the Council of Governors (CoG) unanimously removed him from his position as Vice Chair, following his controversial remarks that appeared to mock the death of opposition leader Raila Odinga.

In a strongly worded statement, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and the United Opposition distanced themselves from Kahiga’s sentiments, describing them as hate speech that could incite ethnic division.

“Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s sentiments broadcast across all mediums yesterday, October 21, 2025, are HIS,” read the statement from United Opposition Spokesperson Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi. “He is not a member of the United Opposition or any party under our umbrella. He was elected on the UDA Party ticket.”

Dr. Kituyi urged the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party to condemn the remarks publicly. “Governor Kahiga’s despicable sentiments should, in one accord, be wholly condemned by all Kenyans, starting with his UDA Party Leader, President William Ruto, his Chairman, Governor Cecily Mbarire, and Secretary General Senator Hassan Omar. Indeed, UDA should have by now issued a censure and public apology,” he stated.

The opposition further called on the Council of Governors to take decisive action, terming Kahiga’s apology and resignation as insufficient. “The CoG should, in the public interest, act swiftly and censure the Nyeri Governor for his clearly stage-managed comments designed to ignite an ethnic war,” Kituyi said.

He also challenged Kahiga to reveal those who allegedly influenced his statements. “Governor Kahiga should expose the men and women who are seemingly hell-bent on igniting a tribal war between our Luo and Kikuyu brothers. Such an act must be considered treason against the People of the Republic of Kenya,” the statement continued.

Earlier in the day, the CoG confirmed that Kahiga had been ousted from his vice chair position following an emergency meeting in Nairobi. “We wish to reiterate our deep disappointment in the governor. We condemn these utterances, which were both untimely and unacceptable—especially during this period of national mourning,” said CoG Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi.

Abdullahi added that Kahiga’s comments were personal and did not represent the views of the Council. He announced that a new vice chair would be elected in the coming days. “The CoG extends its sincere apologies to the family of the late Odinga on behalf of the 47 counties, as we continue to mourn together with them,” he said.

Governor Kahiga sparked outrage after a video of him speaking at a burial ceremony in Nyeri went viral. In the clip, he implied that Odinga’s death was “God’s plan” to return state resources to the Mt Kenya region.

“You guys can see what had been planned, but God brought something up. We did not harbor hate for anyone, but God came through for us,” Kahiga said in Kikuyu. “The plan that had been hatched was probably to throw us out, but God came through in His own way.”

Following public backlash, Kahiga issued an apology and announced his resignation as CoG Vice Chair. “I want to apologize to the family, the larger ODM, my colleagues, and those in the Nyanza region. My remarks are personal and not those of the people of Nyeri or the Council of Governors,” he said.

East African Community (EAC) Principal Secretary Dr. Caroline Karugu condemned the governor’s remarks as “silly and deeply unfortunate,” while Homa Bay Governor and ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga described them as “primitive, insensitive, and insulting.”