Gov. Kahiga Faces Backlash, Resigns from CoG Position, After Remarks Appearing to Celebrate Raila Odinga’s Death

NAIROBI, Kenya (TAV) — Kenya’s fragile political calm has been shaken after Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga appeared to celebrate the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, triggering a storm of condemnation from both allies and opponents.

The remarks, made in vernacular at a burial in Nyeri County, have been widely denounced as insensitive and divisive, reigniting long-standing political and ethnic tensions between Mt. Kenya and Luo Nyanza regions.

Governor Kahiga Under Fire

In a statement on Tuesday, Governor Kahiga apologized to Raila’s family and Kenyans, saying his remarks had been misunderstood.

“I want to sincerely apologize to the family of the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, Mama Ida Odinga, and Kenyans at large,” Kahiga said. “The remarks were my personal views and have been taken out of context. I have decided, with immediate effect, to step down as Vice Chair of the Council of Governors.”

Despite his apology, outrage has continued to swell, with leaders across the political spectrum condemning what they called a shocking lapse in judgment.

ODM and Luo Nyanza Leaders Hit Back

ODM leaders have been at the forefront of the backlash. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga accused Kahiga of harboring tribal hatred and described his comments as “the lowest form of politics.” 

“Kahiga’s words are primitive, insensitive and insulting,” Wanga said. “Anyone associating with Kahiga or impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua will be considered an enemy moving forward. Chauvinism like Kahiga’s has set many nations aflame. It could do so in Kenya too.”

Wanga said Kahiga had crossed the line.

“He has crossed the rubicon,” Wanga said angrily, making a slashing motion with her hands denoting finality.

Leaders Condemn Kahiga

ODM Deputy Party Leader Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir called the remarks “shameful and divisive,” saying they “dishonor not only Raila’s memory but the spirit of unity he fought for.”

Siaya Governor James Orengo added that Kahiga’s comments were “shameful, callous and distasteful.”

“This is hateful speech that brings dishonor to the office of governor,” Orengo said. “Impunity at its worst. Raila was a national figure who united people even in death. Such language is beneath the dignity of public office.”

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna urged restraint, saying Raila himself would have responded with compassion rather than anger.

“We know there are those who hated Baba, but it’s still shocking to hear it,” Sifuna said on X. “Mutahi Kahiga is easily the vilest of the bunch, but Baba taught us to always respond with love. If he were still around, the next thing you’d see is him having lunch with Kahiga.”

At a press conference, ODM Kisumu Vice Chairperson Seth Kanga warned impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to stay away from Raila Odinga’s Bondo home, saying his planned visit would not be welcome.

“We heard that Rigathi Gachagua and his team were supposed to pay homage to the home of Raila Odinga,” Kanga said on Wednesday. “We urge Gachagua not to step in Bondo. Don’t step in Bondo, as your statements are not very friendly to us as ODM.”

Unconfirmed reports circulating on social media indicate that following the threat, Gachagua has since shelved his plans to visit Raila’s graveside in Bondo.

Mt. Kenya Leaders Distance Themselves

Several prominent Mt. Kenya leaders have publicly disowned Kahiga’s remarks. Former Justice Minister Martha Karua described them as “reckless and insensitive,” stressing they do not represent the region’s values.

“These are reckless and insensitive statements which are not representative of the sentiments of multitudes of Kenyans from the mountain and the entire nation who honor Raila’s memory,” Karua said.

Jubilee Party Chair Jeremiah Kioni condemned Kahiga for “dragging an entire community into his hate.”

“Mutahi Kahiga has outdone himself in disgrace,” Kioni said. “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.”

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru also weighed in, calling Kahiga’s words “callous and irresponsible.”

“Politics does not oust basic decency,” Waiguru said. “We stand with the rest of Kenya in mourning a great statesman, Raila Odinga.”

Defending Gachagua

Nyandarua Senator Methu Muhia, a close ally of impeached former Deputy President Gachagua, defended him while criticizing Governor Wanga for linking Gachagua to Kahiga’s remarks.

“Gladys Wanga, you’ve mentioned H.E. Rigathi Gachagua more than the accused in your statement,” Methu said. “But what caught my attention was your claim that Rigathi, his allies, and his supporters cannot be your friends. I want to assume you meant your family, not your party.”

Methu accused ODM leaders of using the controversy to reignite regional hostility.

Public Outcry and Calls for Accountability

Former Chief Justice David Maraga said Kahiga’s remarks violated the Constitution’s leadership principles.

“Article 73(1) requires a state officer to demonstrate respect for the people and bring honor to the nation,” Maraga said. “The governor’s remarks were abhorrent and should be treated with the contempt they deserve.”

Political analyst Herman Manyora joined the chorus, advising Kahiga to resign as governor to “mitigate political disaster.”

“My call to the Nyeri Governor: please resign,” Manyora said. “Do so to mitigate the political disaster that may befall the Kikuyu nation. His comments have already done serious damage.”

A Test of Kenya’s Political Maturity

The uproar underscores Kenya’s fragile political fabric, where emotional rhetoric can quickly ignite ethnic tension. Raila Odinga’s death united much of the nation in grief, but Kahiga’s remarks have reopened old wounds.

While bipartisan condemnation signals a shared call for decency, the episode also reveals the deep mistrust that continues to define Kenya’s political landscape. Leaders face a stark choice between healing the nation or stoking divisions for short-term gain.

Governor Kahiga’s resignation as Vice Chair of the Council of Governors may have calmed tempers momentarily, but the political fallout continues to ripple. As Kenya reflects on Raila Odinga’s enduring legacy, the test for its leaders, especially in Mt. Kenya and Luo Nyanza, will be whether they choose unity or division in the days ahead.