Outrage as Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga Says Raila’s Death ‘Spared’ Mt. Kenya
Kenya’s political arena was rocked this week after Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga made explosive remarks linking Raila Odinga’s death to what he described as “justice” for the Mt. Kenya region. Speaking at a funeral in Nyeri, Kahiga suggested that Odinga’s passing on October 15, 2025, had “spared” the region from alleged resource diversion to Raila’s Luo stronghold in Nyanza.
Loosely translated, the governor declared, “President Ruto has been favouring the people of Nyanza with development projects, but God has done us (the people of Mt. Kenya) justice by taking Raila Odinga away.”
The statement has sparked widespread outrage from leaders across the political spectrum, who described it as tribal, insensitive, and unbecoming of a public official — especially during a period of national mourning.
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) deputy party leader Abdulswamad Nassir condemned the remarks, calling them “an insult to the memory of a national hero.” His sentiments were echoed by Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, who blasted the governor on X (formerly Twitter):
“Mutahi Kahiga has outdone himself in disgrace. Let it be known that he spoke for himself, not for Nyeri, not for the mountain, and certainly not for Kenya. To celebrate death and drag a whole community into your hate is the lowest form of politics. Shame on you.”
Senior ODM figure and Siaya Governor James Orengo also weighed in, writing: “The utterances by the Governor of Nyeri about Raila Odinga are shameful, callous, and distasteful. This is hateful speech that brings dishonor to public office — impunity at its worst.”
Even within Mt. Kenya, Kahiga’s words drew rebuke. Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru and former Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui publicly distanced themselves, labeling the remarks “callous and regrettable.”
The Council of Governors (CoG) has since issued a statement condemning the utterances and scheduled a crisis meeting to discuss the political fallout. The controversy has reignited conversations about ethnic polarization in Kenyan politics, with many calling for restraint and reflection in the wake of Raila Odinga’s death — a moment that was meant to unite the nation, not divide it.