Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has come under sharp criticism after a video surfaced showing him making controversial remarks about the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, suggesting that his death would redirect government focus and resources back to the Mt Kenya region.
Addressing mourners in Nyeri, Kahiga, who spoke in vernacular, claimed that the government had shifted much of its attention and development projects to Nyanza because of President William Ruto’s new alliance with Raila before his death.
"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 during the funeral.
He added, "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. He saw up there people in heaven are disagreeing a lot and came for Baba so that he can go and smoothen things up there."
Raila Odinga died on October 15 in India after suffering cardiac arrest. His death came just months after he entered into a working relationship with President Ruto, marking a new phase in their political journey.
The governor’s remarks have provoked outrage across the country, with political leaders and citizens accusing him of insensitivity and disrespect toward Raila’s family and supporters during a time of national mourning.
Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui condemned Kahiga’s comments, describing them as “regrettable and most unfortunate.” He said the remarks reflect “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.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party, in its statement, urged the governor to seek forgiveness, saying his words were hurtful to millions who were mourning their leader.
“In this period of mourning, following the loss of our Party Leader Raila Odinga, we wish to pray for the Governor of Nyeri Mutahi Kahiga that God forgives him for the utterances he made on the passing of our Leader,” ODM stated.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei also criticised the governor, saying his comments were “ungodly, un-African, uncouth and bordering on witchcraft.” He demanded that Kahiga offer a public apology to the Luo community and Raila’s family.
“My brother Governor Kahiga, why are you celebrating the death of Raila Odinga and ridiculing the Luo community?” Cherargei posed.
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi also joined the condemnation, accusing Kahiga of making reckless statements capable of fuelling ethnic division.
“Governor Mutahi 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 Baba Raila? Irresponsible and reckless statement from a leader. Shame on you!” Sudi said.
Kahiga has not publicly addressed the controversy, even as demands grow for him to apologise to the Odinga family, the Luo community, and Kenyans mourning the veteran opposition leader.