NCIC to summon Governor Mutahi Kahiga, warns ODM leaders over Bondo remarks
In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, NCIC Chair Samuel Kobia said the Commission has received a complaint regarding the governor’s utterances and is undertaking investigations.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has condemned Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga for making reckless and insensitive remarks about the late Raila Odinga, describing them as divisive and hurtful during a period of national mourning.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, NCIC Chair Samuel Kobia said the Commission has received a complaint regarding the governor’s utterances and is undertaking investigations. This comes after NCIC flagged an earlier statement circulating on social media as fake.
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Kobia said the Commission has initiated a process to summon Kahiga to make a formal statement.
“Such statements not only dishonour the memory of a national hero but also have the potential to ignite ethnic tension and social discord at a time when the nation is in mourning,” said Kobia.
The Commission noted that Odinga was a national icon whose selfless service and political ideals shaped Kenya’s socio-economic and political landscape for over four decades.
"Raila Odinga was not only a national icon but a continental and global leader whose political ideologies and selfless service to the country shaped Kenya's socio-economic and political landscape for over four decades," the NCIC stated.
Adding, "His legacy is engraved in the chronicles of Kenya's history as a tireless champion of democracy, justice, and national cohesion. At a time when Kenyans across political and ethnic divides are united in grief, it is highly unfortunate and profoundly disrespectful that a leader of such stature would be the target of such divisive rhetoric."
NCIC, at the same time, praised the Council of Governors (CoG) for publicly distancing itself from Kahiga’s remarks.
"Indeed, this is a positive gesture to uphold desirable values of unity, inclusivity, and respect in governance, distancing itself from any divisive or inflammatory statements. This highlights the importance of responsible leadership and reinforces political decency and accountability," said Kobia.
The Commission reminded all leaders of their critical role in maintaining peace and national cohesion, warning that reckless or provocative remarks could undermine social harmony.
It also expressed concern about retaliatory messages from some political leaders and urged all Kenyans and officials to rise above partisan interests, embrace inclusive rhetoric, and uphold the values of the Constitution.
"The Commission is taken aback by the retaliatory messages by some elected leaders from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) suggesting that they have banned the former Deputy President from visiting Bondo," said Kobia."We urge Kenyans and all leaders to rise above partisan interests and to put the country first by embracing responsible and inclusive rhetoric that reflects the values of our Constitution."
Kobia appealed to the public to remain calm, tolerant, and united during this period of grief, emphasising that Odinga’s death is a loss not only to his family and supporters but to the entire nation.
NCIC reaffirmed its commitment to taking legal action against any individuals or institutions whose actions threaten national cohesion.
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