‘Impeach Kahiga’ – Nyeri erupts after governor’s controversial comments on Raila’s death
Senator Wamatinga said that although Governor Kahiga had resigned as vice chair of the Council of Governors, he now had a moral obligation to step down as Nyeri governor.
Protests erupted in Nyeri today following Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s controversial remarks about the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Outraged residents took to the streets demanding his immediate impeachment.
A video reviewed by The Eastleigh Voice showed protesters riding boda bodas through Nyeri town, waving placards with messages such as “MCA chezeni kama nyinyi, impeach Kahiga.”
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Speaking in his local dialect, Governor Kahiga claimed that the government’s development agenda had been unfairly directed toward the Nyanza region after the political agreement between President William Ruto and the late Raila Odinga.
“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,” said Kahiga.
He went on to suggest that the former Prime Minister’s death had “levelled the playing field” politically, forcing leaders to rethink their strategies ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“The plan that had been hatched… all goodies were being directed there because of tomorrow’s plans… but God came and brought this thing,” he added.
Widespread condemnation
The remarks have since sparked widespread condemnation from both government and opposition figures.
Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga described Governor Kahiga’s comments as “reckless and deeply unfortunate,” saying they went against African values and cultural respect for the deceased. He criticised the governor for making such statements during a period of national mourning.
“The leadership of Nyeri County, indeed in a very sober mood, has found the governor’s statement not only reckless but very unfortunate,” Senator Wamatinga said during a press briefing. “We want to take this opportunity to disassociate ourselves from such sentiments.”
He added, “We know the contribution of the late Raila Amolo Odinga. Kenya’s history will never be complete without a special chapter dedicated to him, his struggle for democracy, human rights, and the freedoms we enjoy today.”
Wamatinga said that although Governor Kahiga had resigned as vice chair of the Council of Governors, he now had a moral obligation to step down as Nyeri governor.
Insensitive remarks
The senator also accused Kahiga of having a history of divisive and insensitive remarks, citing previous controversial statements about the Maasai community.
“He has a moral obligation to go ahead and resign as the governor of Nyeri County,” Wamatinga said. “Indeed, we have heard him make very unfortunate statements three times.”
Wamatinga appealed for unity and calm, urging Kenyans to use this moment of national grief to promote peace rather than deepen divisions.
“As the Kikuyu community and as Nyerians, we stand with the family of the late Raila Odinga in mourning his passing. We join the rest of the country in celebrating the achievements of the late Raila Odinga, but most importantly, we strongly denounce the statement made by Governor Kahiga,” Senator Wamatinga said. “He did not speak on our behalf, nor did he represent the views of the people of Nyeri.”
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