A storm of criticism has engulfed Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga after a video surfaced showing him making remarks perceived to celebrate the death of Kenya’s former Prime Minister, Raila Amolo Odinga. The comments, made during a local public address in Kikuyu, have sparked national outrage and renewed debate about respect, unity, and political sensitivity during a period of mourning.
In the widely circulated clip, Governor Kahiga allegedly stated that the death of Raila Odinga could mark “a new beginning” for the Mt. Kenya region. His remarks implied that the political cooperation between President William Ruto and the late Odinga had diverted development attention away from the central region, and that Odinga’s passing would allow Mt. Kenya’s interests to “reclaim their rightful place.”
These comments, coming just days after the nation bid farewell to one of its most influential political leaders, drew harsh condemnation from leaders across the political divide. Many Kenyans took to social media, expressing shock and anger at what they called an “insensitive” and “tribalistic” statement during a time when the nation should be united in grief.
ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga was among the first to publicly rebuke the governor. In a strongly worded statement, Wanga described Kahiga’s words as “primitive, provocative, and shameful.” She demanded that he step down both as Nyeri Governor and as Vice-Chairperson of the Council of Governors, stating that such behaviour is incompatible with the dignity and responsibility of his office.
“This is not the time for division or political point-scoring,” Wanga said. “Governor Kahiga’s comments dishonour the memory of a man who fought tirelessly for democracy, unity, and justice. Raila Odinga’s legacy belongs to all Kenyans, not just one region.”
Other political leaders and civil society groups have echoed similar sentiments, urging the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to investigate the remarks for potentially inciting ethnic tension. They warned that such rhetoric, if left unchecked, could reopen old wounds and undermine the unity Kenya has worked so hard to preserve.
Meanwhile, the governor’s office has attempted to control the damage, releasing a brief statement claiming that Kahiga’s words were “taken out of context.” The statement suggested that the governor merely intended to highlight the importance of equitable resource distribution across all regions of the country. However, the clarification has done little to calm public anger.
Protests have been reported in parts of Nyeri and Kisumu, with demonstrators carrying placards demanding an apology from the governor. Online, hashtags such as #ShameOnKahiga and #RespectBaba trended for hours as Kenyans expressed their disappointment and called for accountability.
Political analysts argue that this controversy underscores the deep divisions that still run through Kenya’s political landscape. They note that while Odinga’s passing has united much of the nation in grief, it has also exposed underlying tensions that persist beneath the surface.
As Kenya continues to mourn the loss of a man many regarded as a champion of democracy, the backlash against Governor Kahiga serves as a reminder of the need for empathy, respect, and restraint — especially from public officials. In moments of national sorrow, words carry immense weight, and their misuse can either heal or divide.
Image by Daily Nation
