Governor Kahiga Under Fire After Remarks on Raila’s Death

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga is facing public outrage after a video emerged showing him making remarks that appeared to celebrate the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. 

While speaking in Kikuyu during an event in Kieni, Nyeri County, Kahiga claimed that Raila’s death was part of God’s plan to return development to the Mt. Kenya region. 

In the video, he is heard saying that the passing of Raila had disrupted political plans that, according to him, excluded the mountain region from government priorities. 

"All goodies were being directed there because of tomorrow's plan, because it seemed like they did away with us, but God came and brought this thing. 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 said.

The remarks, widely shared online, sparked condemnation from leaders across the political divide, who described them as distasteful and unbecoming of a county governor.

Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich expressed disappointment, saying he had reached out to Kahiga to retract and apologise for his comments.

"This is extremely unfortunate. I have reached out to my colleague to apologise and withdraw these insensitive remarks. His remarks in any way do not reflect COG’s position. Baba took nothing to his grave, but he left us with Freedom that will be enjoyed by generations. Quite unfortunate," he said.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei also joined in the criticism, accusing Kahiga of showing no empathy to the bereaved family and Kenyans still mourning the national figure.

"Governor Kahiga, you couldn’t even wait for the mourning period to end or show empathy to the bereaved family and Kenyans. Your conduct is un-African, ungodly, uncouth, and borders on witchcraft. 

"In that regard, Governor Kahiga, you must apologise to the Odinga family, the Luo nation, the ODM Party, and the entire country of Kenya. At the very least, you have confirmed what you have been discussing in those unholy night meetings against other Kenyans, he remarked.

UDA Chairperson and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire termed Kahiga’s remarks reckless and insensitive, noting that they do not reflect the sentiments of leaders or residents from the Mt. Kenya region.

"I am deeply disturbed by the reckless and insensitive remarks made by my colleague, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, following the passing of former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, CGH. 

"At a time when our nation is mourning, such statements are not only careless but profoundly disrespectful, both to the memory of a statesman and to millions of Kenyans who are grieving his loss," she said.

Mbarire went on to add, "Let it be clearly understood: Governor Kahiga’s remarks do not reflect the views of the Mount Kenya region. Baba was a true champion of devolution, a visionary who believed in empowering counties and strengthening governance. On this, we stand united. I therefore demand that Governor Kahiga issue a public apology immediately. As leaders, we must rise above petty divisions and lead with empathy, respect, and a spirit of unity, especially in times when our nation seeks healing."

Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni also condemned Kahiga, saying his comments were disgraceful and did not represent the people of Nyeri or Kenya at large.

"Mutahi Kahiga has outdone himself in disgrace. Let it be known that he spoke for himself, not for Nyeri, not for the mountain, and certainly not for Kenya. To celebrate death and drag a whole community into your hate is the lowest form of politics. Shame on you," he stated.

In addition, former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu criticised Kahiga, describing his comments as an attack on a mourning family and a community still reeling from loss.

"The statements attributed to Governor Mutahi Kahiga are grossly despicable, reckless, and constitute an unwarranted attack on a grieving family and a community still reeling from a monumental loss. Governor Kahiga must issue an unreserved apology for his unbridled bigotry. Shame on you!" she said.

On his part, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi called on young people from Nyeri to take a stand, urging them to demand Kahiga’s resignation.

"If there is one last favour the GenZ from Nyeri can give to this nation, it is to hold a demonstration tomorrow to demand the resignation of Mutahi Kahiga as Governor. We are tribeless, and this is the height of tribalism. Let’s fix our nation once and for all. Over to you guys!" he declared.

Raila died in India and was on Sunday, October 19, laid to rest at his ancestral home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County.

The burial followed a funeral service held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), where leaders and dignitaries gathered to pay their final respects.

Following the conclusion of the service, Raila’s body was loaded onto a hearse by members of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), who later performed full military rites at the graveside. 

Raila was buried with his trademark hat and fly whisk, iconic items that had come to define his image throughout his political journey.

The private burial ceremony was attended by Raila’s immediate family, including his wife Mama Ida Odinga and children Rosemary Odinga, Raila Odinga Jr., and Winnie Odinga.

His siblings, Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, and Wenwa Akinyi Odinga, were also present.

Raila’s longtime bodyguard, Maurice Ogeta, who had stood by him for many years, also attended the ceremony alongside his family.