Bishop Hudson Ndeda, National Chairman, Church and Clergy Association of Kenya on Thursday condemned Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s recent remarks about the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing them as “very unfortunate” and deliberately made.
Speaking during an interview, Ndeda said Kahiga’s comments, captured in a vernacular video, were not only disrespectful but also undermined the legacy of a national leader.
“What Kahiga said was very unfortunate, very unfortunate, coming from a leader of his stature and caliber. It was very wrong,” Ndeda said at Radio Generation.
He added that the Governor was “very intentional” in the way he delivered the message, switching from Swahili to his local language to limit its public exposure. “So on his mind, he knew that it will not go out public. It will be close to the people he was speaking to,” Ndeda explained.
Ndeda further emphasized that such statements do not reflect the direction the country should take.
He praised Raila Odinga’s contributions, saying, “We are talking about honorable Raila Odinga, what he has achieved for this country. I don’t think if Kahiga will stay even another 100 years, we’ll be able to achieve that. So he should be able to respect that legacy.”
The remarks follow Kahiga’s resignation as Vice Chair of the Council of Governors after widespread criticism over the viral video. In the clip, Kahiga appeared to suggest that Odinga’s death had shifted national development priorities from the Mt. Kenya region to Nyanza, which drew public backlash.
Kahiga later clarified that his comments were personal opinions made during a funeral in his home village, and not meant to celebrate Odinga’s death. He apologized to the Odinga family, the ODM fraternity, and Kenyans, describing the incident as “unfortunate and deeply regrettable.”
“I want to sincerely apologize to our mourning nation, to the family of the Right Honorable former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, Mama Ida, her children Rosemary, Junior and Winnie, honorable Senator Oburu Odinga, honorable MP Ruth Odinga, and the larger extended family, the ODM fraternity, and the Luo nation and Kenyans at large,” Kahiga said.
The Governor also clarified that his statements should not be seen as representing any community, political group, or the Council of Governors. “The remarks I made are my personal views and therefore should in no way be associated with a community’s position or any political affiliation, nor the Council of Governors,” he said.
