Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga sparked widespread outrage with comments portraying the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as a blessing for the Mount Kenya region. He has since apologized and resigned as vice chairperson of the Council of Governors. The government has warned leaders against divisive rhetoric amid calls for further action.
On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, during a burial ceremony in his home village in Nyeri, Governor Mutahi Kahiga described Raila Odinga's demise as a 'blessing' to the Mount Kenya region. He claimed that the former prime minister's political partnership with President William Ruto had shifted development resources from Central Kenya to Nyanza, and that these would now return as the broad-based government reconfigures.
The remarks, captured in a vernacular video, ignited public fury and condemnation from across political divides. Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Chairperson Gladys Wanga demanded Kahiga's removal from the Council of Governors (COG), stating, 'Kahiga does not speak for himself. Kahiga is the Spokesperson of Rigathi Gachagua.' The United Opposition, in a statement by spokesperson Mukhisa Kituyi, disowned Kahiga, noting he was elected on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, and urged UDA leaders including President Ruto, Chairperson Cecily Mbarire, and Secretary General Hassan Omar to condemn him publicly. They argued his apology was insincere damage control and called for COG disciplinary action.
On Wednesday morning, October 22, Kahiga resigned as COG vice chairperson and issued an apology. 'I want to sincerely apologise to our mourning nation, to the family of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Mama Ida Odinga, her children and the larger extended family, the ODM fraternity, the Luo Nation, and Kenyans at large,' he said, insisting the comments were misconstrued and reflected personal views, not those of Mount Kenya.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura responded with a statement urging leaders to avoid discriminatory remarks. 'At this delicate time of national grief, we urge all leaders to refrain from the language of hate and embrace the spirit of one united Kenya,' it read. Mwaura directed the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to act against any fanning division or ethnic animosity, emphasizing President Ruto's commitment to inclusive development.
NCIC denied circulating a fake summons letter that had appeared online, which falsely claimed Kahiga violated the NCIC Act by fueling ethnic contempt. Potential consequences discussed include UDA disciplinary proceedings or impeachment, though none have been initiated.
