Mutahi Kahiga’s Controversial Remarks on Raila Odinga’s Death Ignite National Outrage
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga sparked national outrage after making controversial remarks at a burial ceremony in Kieni East, Nyeri County, on October, 21,2025 where he appeared to celebrate the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Kahiga suggested that Raila’s death on October 15, 2025, was a form of divine intervention that disrupted political plans perceived to marginalize the Mt. Kenya region.
He claimed that government resources and development had been directed towards Western and Nyanza regions due to political arrangements between Raila and President William Ruto, but with Raila’s death, the playing field had been “levelled,” and the political focus would shift back benefiting Mt. Kenya.
“If you look closely, all things, national resources, were being sent to Western and Nyanza, because apparently, we (Agikuyu) were not in their plans,” he uttered.
Kahiga said in Kikuyu that God heard the cries of the Agikuyu people and intervened to stop a plan that seemed to exclude them from national resources.
“But God came and heard our (Agikuyu) cries, and He did His wonders!” said the Nyeri Governor.
His remarks were perceived as politicizing and “celebrating” Raila’s death, causing widespread condemnation and calls for his resignation and impeachment .
“Kahiga must immediately resign as Vice Chair of the Council of Governors,” said Wanga.
In response to Kahiga’s remarks, the Council of Governors, chaired by Ahmed Abdullahi, convened an urgent extraordinary meeting on October 22, 2025.
The Council expressed deep disappointment in the Nyeri Governor’s statements, underscoring the need for unity and respect across Kenya’s diverse communities.
“The Council of Governors registers its deep disappointment in the unfortunate utterances by Governor Mutahi Kahiga of Nyeri County,” read their official statement.
Political leaders, including ODM Chair Gladys Wanga, strongly condemned Kahiga’s comments as promoting ethnic hatred and undermining national unity, calling them a “new low” in politics and an assault on Kenyan values.
“As Kahiga’s colleague, I am ashamed of his words. I am offended, as the Chairperson of ODM and a believer in Raila Odinga and what he bequeathed to our country. I take serious offense at Kahiga’s outbursts,”said Governor Gladys Wanga.
In response, communication strategist Pauline Njoroge joined others in criticizing the governor, condemning his actions as both shameful and disrespectful. She admitted that at first, she couldn’t even believe that happened.
“A governor a whole governor, its totally nauseating. I had desperately wanted to believe that it was fake news until it was confirmed. Shame on you Kahiga,” she said.