Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has come under fire after a video surfaced online showing him making remarks interpreted by some as celebratory of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s death.
The comments, made during a funeral in Kieni Constituency, Nyeri County, have drawn sharp criticism from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party and the Council of Governors, both condemning the tone and timing of the statements.
In the video, reportedly recorded by a mourner, Governor Kahiga speaks in Kikuyu, expressing dissatisfaction with what he claims was the government’s skewed prioritisation of development projects in the Nyanza region.
He suggests that Raila’s passing is part of a divine plan to restore balance and redirect development efforts to the central region.
“All good things were being taken there because of future plans—it’s like they had forgotten about us. But God acted. He came in His own way. He saw that even those in heaven were disagreeing too much, and so He took Baba to help settle things up there,” Kahiga is heard saying in the clip.
The remarks have sparked widespread outrage, particularly from political and civil society leaders. The ODM Party, which Odinga led until his death, issued a strongly worded statement condemning Kahiga’s remarks, calling them “reckless, divisive, and shameful.”
“The Orange Democratic Movement registers its deep disappointment and outrage at the reckless, divisive, and shameful rhetoric uttered by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga during a public event in Kieni—remarks that appeared to mock and even celebrate the passing of our party leader, H.E. Raila Amolo Odinga, C.G.H.,” said ODM Deputy Party Leader Sheriff Nassir.
Nassir added that the comments run counter to the values Raila championed—national unity, inclusivity, and reconciliation—and urged political leaders to refrain from using inflammatory language during a period of national mourning.
“We affirm today without hesitation that we shall defend the dignity, legacy, and memory of our departed leader to the hilt. Let it be known that no amount of trivial politics or inflammatory speech will distract us,” he added.
- Raila Odinga, Kenya’s former PM, dies at 80 in India
- Raila Odinga: The patriot who put Kenya before himself
- Raila Amolo Odinga: A life lived in defiance of silence
The Council of Governors has also distanced itself from Kahiga’s remarks, calling them personal views that do not reflect the collective position of the county leadership.
“As the Council of Governors, we wish to disassociate ourselves entirely from the sentiments of Governor Kahiga. Those are personal remarks and do not represent the views of the Council, especially during this time of deep national mourning,” said Council Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi.
The Council praised Raila Odinga as a statesman who played a pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s devolved system of governance, describing him as both an architect and a protector of devolution.
“His contributions are indelibly etched in the annals of Kenya’s history, and as a nation, we owe him respect—both in life and in death,” Abdullahi said.
The Council announced it would convene an urgent meeting later in the day to deliberate on the matter and possibly chart a course of action in response to the controversy.
Following the fallout caused by the video, Governor Kahiga on Wednesday morning denied accusations of celebrating Odinga’s death, stating that his remarks were intended to highlight what he perceives as skewed development under the current broad-based government. He added that, politically, Odinga’s passing sends everyone back to the drawing board.
Kahiga further clarified that the remarks were his personal views and, “therefore should in no way be associated with a community’s position, any political affiliation, or the Council of Governors.”
The governor also announced his resignation from the leadership of the Council of Governors.
“I am taking responsibility for the real and perceived meaning of my remarks, and as a result, I have decided to step down with immediate effect as the Vice Chair of the Council of Governors,” Governor Kahiga said in a press statement.
– Additional reporting by Timon Otieno
Email your news TIPS to Editor@nairobilawmonthly.com, and to advertise with us, call +254715061658 anytime of the day
