Governor Kahiga faces uproar over 'insensitive' remarks on Raila Odinga’s death
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga criticised Kahiga, describing his comments as “primitive, insensitive and insulting,” and called for his resignation as CoG Vice Chair.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has come under sharp criticism over remarks that appeared to celebrate the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Leaders across the country condemned the utterances as reckless, inhumane and unbecoming of a public official during a time of national mourning.
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The Council of Governors (CoG) led in the condemnation, terming its Vice Chairperson’s comments as “reckless, insensitive and inhumane.”
In a statement on Tuesday, CoG Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi said the council was deeply disappointed by the governor’s remarks and distanced itself from his statements, clarifying that they did not represent the collective position of county chiefs.
“Today, the CoG registers its deep disappointment with the unfortunate utterances by Governor Kahiga. We wish to disassociate in total with the sentiments of Governor Kahiga and note that those are personal remarks that do not reflect or represent the views of the CoG,” Ahmed said.
The council described Kahiga’s remarks as “inhumane and unacceptable,” condemning the act of celebrating the death of a leader who had made immense contributions to Kenya’s democratic and developmental history.
“Raila was and will forever remain a statesman whose contributions are embedded in the annals of our country’s history. He was not only the architect and father of devolution but also its key protector and ardent supporter.”
Ahmed further described Raila as “a father, husband, grandfather, brother, and many things to many people,” adding that Kenya owes him “immense respect both in life and in death.”
He announced that an extraordinary council meeting would be convened urgently to deliberate on the matter and issue a follow-up statement.
The backlash follows Kahiga’s remarks during a burial ceremony in Nyeri, where he suggested in the local dialect that Raila’s death was a form of “divine intervention” that disrupted political plans perceived to disadvantage the Mt Kenya region.
“You guys can see what had been planned, but God brought something up. Now it’s total confusion. We did not harbour hate for anyone, but God came through for us,” Kahiga said.
In the viral video, the Nyeri governor claimed that the political arrangement between President William Ruto and Raila 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 to return to the drawing board ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“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,” Kahiga said.
“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.”
The remarks have drawn condemnation from both government and opposition leaders, who termed them divisive, disrespectful and insensitive.
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga criticised Kahiga, describing his comments as “primitive, insensitive and insulting,” and called for his resignation as CoG Vice Chair.
“For three consecutive days before his death, Raila 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 said.
“As Kahiga’s colleague, I am ashamed of his words. I am offended as the Chairperson of ODM and as a believer in Raila 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 accused Kahiga of perpetuating “tribal chauvinism and ethnic profiling,” warning that such rhetoric could destabilise the country.
“This kind of hate speech has ignited flames in other nations. It can happen here, too, if we allow people like Kahiga to normalise such dangerous thinking. Kenya belongs to all of us. No one tribe owns this country,” she said.
United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Chairperson and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire also distanced the ruling party and the Mt Kenya region from Kahiga’s sentiments.
“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,” Mbarire said.
“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.”
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru echoed similar sentiments, calling Kahiga’s remarks “callous and irresponsible.”
“The remarks made by Kahiga are not just unfortunate; they are callous and irresponsible. They do not reflect the views of the leadership or the people of Mt Kenya. Let us be clear: politics does not oust basic decency. For the record, as a people, we stand with the rest of Kenya in mourning a great statesman,” Waiguru said.
Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui described the comments as “regrettable and most unfortunate,” saying they reflected “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,” Kinyanjui said.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei termed Kahiga’s remarks “ungodly, un-African, uncouth and bordering on witchcraft,” while Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi called them “irresponsible and reckless.”
“Governor Kahiga, I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again, why are you pushing one community against the wall when the country is yet to come to terms with the death of Raila? Irresponsible and reckless statement from a leader. Shame on you!” Sudi said.
East African Community (EAC) Principal Secretary Dr Caroline Karugu also condemned the remarks as silly and deeply unfortunate, saying, “Even the wicked should have the decency to let mourners grieve in peace.”
Former Senator Millicent Omanga said ethnic profiling by leaders was “unacceptable and dangerous,” while Embakasi East MP Babu Owino described Kahiga’s utterances as disturbing.
Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi called for Kahiga’s immediate impeachment, saying his words had brought shame to Nyeri County and the Mt Kenya region.
“Nyeri County MCAs, over to you. That motion should only have one charge... Mt Kenya region will not fight with the rest of Kenya because of one reckless person,” Wamumbi said.
Raila, who passed away on October 15 while receiving treatment in India, is remembered as one of Kenya’s most influential political figures and the foremost architect of devolution. His death has united Kenyans in grief, with tributes pouring in from across Africa and beyond.
Governor Kahiga has yet to issue a public response as calls for an apology and his resignation continue to mount.
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