Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga. /MUTAHI KAHIGA/XNyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has sparked national outrage after a video where he reportedly claimed that the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will now “free” government resources for the Mt Kenya region went viral
Speaking in vernacular at a funeral in Nyeri, Kahiga said the government had diverted attention and resources to Nyanza because of President William Ruto’s working relationship with Raila in the months leading up to 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.
"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, who died of cardiac arrest on October 15 while receiving treatment in India, had entered into a working arrangement with Ruto after years of political rivalry.
The comments immediately drew strong rebuke from leaders across the political divide, who accused the governor of exploiting a moment of national grief for political mileage.
Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui described the statement as “regrettable and most unfortunate,” saying it reflected “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 a statement, said it was praying for the Nyeri governor to seek forgiveness.
“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,” the statement read.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei also condemned Kahiga and demanded a public apology.
“My brother Governor Kahiga, why are you celebrating the death of Raila Odinga and ridiculing the Luo community,” Cherargei said, calling the remarks “ungodly, un-African, uncouth and bordering on witchcraft.”
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi also joined the condemnation, warning the Nyeri governor against inflaming ethnic tensions.
“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 yet to respond publicly to the criticism as calls grow for him to apologise to the Odinga family, the Luo community, and the nation.
