The recent remarks by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga on the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga have thrown the country into anger and disbelief.
His words, which many Kenyans found insulting and divisive, have not only drawn nationwide outrage but also triggered a strong reaction from his fellow county bosses.
The Council of Governors (CoG) has now called for an extraordinary meeting to address the matter, terming Kahiga’s comments as reckless, insensitive and deeply disrespectful.
The controversy began on Tuesday evening when Governor Kahiga, speaking in Kikuyu during a public event, made a statement that many perceived as mocking the late Raila Odinga.
He claimed that the death of the former Prime Minister was “a blessing in disguise” for the Mt Kenya region. According to Kahiga, Odinga’s passing would free up government resources that he alleged had been channelled to the Nyanza region after the handshake between Odinga and President William Ruto.
His exact words were, “You can see what had been planned, but God brought something up. Now it’s total confusion. Everybody can see that. We did not harbour hate for anyone, but God came through for us.” He went on to say, “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.”
These remarks immediately went viral online and drew condemnation from across the political divide. Kenyans expressed disappointment that a sitting governor could make such a statement during a period of national mourning.
Cabinet Secretaries, Members of Parliament and even leaders from Kahiga’s own region publicly distanced themselves from his remarks, calling them shameful and unnecessary. Many argued that such language not only disrespected the memory of Raila Odinga but also went against the spirit of unity and respect expected from leaders.
The Council of Governors, through its Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi, responded swiftly by convening an extraordinary meeting to be held on Wednesday, October 22. Abdullahi said, “In light of the above, I have convened an urgent Extra-Ordinary Council Meeting to be held tomorrow morning to deliberate on these unfortunate utterances, and further statements will follow.”
The CoG condemned Kahiga’s comments and described them as “reckless, insensitive, sad and unfortunate.”
The Council further emphasized that Raila Odinga was a national figure whose legacy is firmly rooted in Kenya’s political history and struggle for democracy.
“It is inhumane and unacceptable to celebrate his death on account of perceived political calculations. Raila Odinga was and will forever remain a Statesman whose contributions are embedded in the annals of our country’s history,” the statement read.
The governors made it clear that Kahiga’s views did not represent the position of the Council, stating, “As the Council of Governors, we wish to disassociate in toto with the sentiments of Governor Kahiga and note that those are personal remarks that do not reflect or represent the views of the Council of Governors.
Kahiga’s words have reignited discussions about the responsibility that comes with leadership. His remarks have not only damaged his public image but also placed him at the centre of a political storm at a time when the country needs unity and sobriety. The upcoming Council meeting is expected to decide what disciplinary measures, if any, will be taken against him, as the public watches closely how the matter unfolds.
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