Political Leaders Across Divide Condemn Governor’s Comments as Insensitive and Divisive During National Mourning Period
Nyeri County Governor Mutahi Kahiga has found himself at the center of a political storm following controversial remarks made during a burial ceremony in Nyeri on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. The governor suggested that the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was divine intervention that benefited the Mt Kenya region, sparking widespread condemnation from political leaders across Kenya’s political spectrum. The comments, delivered in the Kikuyu language, have been described as insensitive, divisive, and disrespectful to the memory of one of Kenya’s most influential political figures.
Background: The Context of the Controversy
Raila Odinga, who died of cardiac arrest on October 15, 2025, while receiving treatment in India, had entered into a working arrangement with President William Ruto after years of political rivalry. This political rapprochement had significantly altered Kenya’s political landscape, with the former opposition leader collaborating with the government in various capacities. The nation has been in mourning since his passing, with tributes pouring in from across the political divide recognizing his contributions to Kenya’s democracy and governance.
Raila Odinga was widely celebrated as one of Kenya’s foremost champions of democracy and good governance, with his death drawing tributes from across the political spectrum, reflecting his enduring influence on the nation’s political landscape. His legacy includes being a key architect and champion of devolution, which has transformed governance in Kenya by empowering county governments.
The Controversial Remarks
Speaking at a burial ceremony in Nyeri, Governor Kahiga stated that the Mt Kenya region had no hatred toward anyone but suggested that Raila’s death was part of divine intervention, saying “We did not harbour hate for anyone, but God came through for us”. The governor went further to claim that the partnership between Raila and President Ruto had led to government resources being redirected to the Nyanza region, allegedly sidelining the Mt Kenya region.
In what many interpreted as a particularly insensitive remark, Kahiga said, “He saw up there that people in heaven are disagreeing a lot and came for Baba so that he can go and smooth things up there”. The comments, captured on video, quickly went viral on social media platforms, triggering immediate and sharp criticism from political leaders, civil society, and ordinary Kenyans who found the remarks deeply offensive during a period of national mourning.
Swift and Widespread Condemnation
ODM Party Response
The Orange Democratic Movement condemned the governor’s remarks as insensitive, stating in an official statement: “In this period of mourning, following the loss of our Party Leader Raila Odinga, we wish to pray for the Governor of Nyeri, Mr. Mutahi Kahiga, that God forgives him for the utterances he made on the passing of our Leader”. ODM Deputy Party Leader Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir described the remarks as “reckless, divisive, and shameful,” saying they dishonoured the memory of the late ODM leader and the spirit of unity that has defined Kenya’s mourning period.
Reactions from Mt Kenya Leaders
Perhaps most significantly, leaders from Kahiga’s own Mt Kenya region were among the most vocal critics. Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru condemned the remarks as “callous and irresponsible”, distancing herself and the region from the sentiments expressed. UDA Chairperson and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire described Kahiga’s comments as “reckless and insensitive,” insisting that they did not represent the views or values of the Mt Kenya region’s leadership.
Mbarire stated: “At a time when our nation is mourning, such statements are not only careless but profoundly disrespectful, both to the memory of a statesman and to millions of Kenyans who are grieving his loss”. She further praised Raila as a champion of devolution and demanded that Governor Kahiga issue an immediate public apology to Raila’s family and the nation.
Government and Opposition Unity in Condemnation
Siaya County Governor James Orengo, a long-time ally of the late Raila, described Kahiga’s statements as shameful, callous, and an insult to the dignity of public office, writing: “The utterances by the Governor of Nyeri about Raila Odinga are shameful, callous and distasteful and are not protected speech. This is hateful speech that brings dishonour to the public offices occupied by the Governor. Impunity at its worst”.
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi also joined in condemning Kahiga’s comments, describing them as divisive and unworthy of national leadership. The criticism extended to members of the Odinga family, with Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga terming Kahiga’s remarks as shameful, saying, “A whole governor, shame on you”.
Institutional Response: Council of Governors Takes Action
The Council of Governors (CoG), which represents all 47 county governors in Kenya, took decisive action in response to the controversy. The CoG expressed deep disappointment, describing Kahiga’s comments as reckless, insensitive, and unbecoming of a leader of his stature, stating they wished 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”.
CoG Chairman and Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi announced that the council had convened an emergency meeting to deliberate on the matter and issue a further directive, stating: “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 a further statement will follow”.
The council emphasized Raila Odinga’s legacy, stating: “Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga was and will forever remain a statesman whose contributions are embedded in the annals of our country’s history. He was not only the architect and father of devolution but its key protector and ardent supporter”.
Legal and Civil Society Perspectives
Advocate and human rights lawyer Ndegwa Njiru criticized the governor’s statement as insensitive, urging him to withdraw and apologise to both the public and Raila’s family, stating: “That was a very insensitive statement, to say the least. Undeserving statement. He owes the country an apology. He owes Baba’s family an apology”.
Legal experts have weighed in on whether the remarks constitute hate speech or protected political expression, with many arguing that public officials have a higher duty of care in their public utterances, especially during sensitive periods such as national mourning.
Political Analysis: Regional Tensions and National Unity
The controversy has exposed underlying tensions in Kenya’s political landscape, particularly regarding regional representation and resource allocation. Governor Kahiga’s remarks appeared to reflect frustrations within some sections of the Mt Kenya political class about perceived marginalization during the period of cooperation between President Ruto and Raila Odinga.
However, the swift and decisive condemnation from leaders across the political spectrum, including from his own region and party, suggests that such divisive rhetoric during a period of national mourning is widely considered unacceptable. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the responsibility of elected officials to promote unity and respect, particularly in Kenya’s ethnically diverse political environment.
ODM Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga called Kahiga’s statements primitive and divisive, adding that they were not only disrespectful to Raila’s memory but also an attack on the Luo community, highlighting how such remarks can inflame ethnic tensions that Kenya has long worked to overcome.
Calls for Accountability and Apology
Across the political divide, leaders have demanded that Governor Kahiga issue a public apology and retract his statements. Governor Mbarire stated: “I therefore demand that Governor Kahiga issue a public apology immediately. As leaders, we must rise above petty divisions and lead with empathy, respect, and a spirit of unity, especially in times when our nation seeks healing”.
The unanimity of the condemnation suggests that Kahiga faces significant political pressure to make amends for his remarks. The outcome of the Council of Governors’ emergency meeting may determine what further actions, if any, will be taken against the Nyeri governor.
Raila Odinga’s Legacy and Impact on Devolution
The controversy has also served to highlight Raila Odinga’s significant contributions to Kenya’s political and governance structures. Throughout his political career spanning several decades, Raila was instrumental in the fight for multiparty democracy in Kenya and played a pivotal role in the adoption of the 2010 Constitution, which introduced devolution as a key pillar of governance.
Devolution has transformed how government services are delivered in Kenya, bringing decision-making and resources closer to the people at the county level. As a champion of this system, Raila’s legacy directly benefits county governors, including Kahiga himself, making the governor’s remarks particularly jarring to many observers.
Public Reaction and Social Media Response
On social media platforms, Kenyans from across the country expressed shock and disappointment at Governor Kahiga’s remarks. Many users called for accountability, with some demanding his resignation or impeachment for what they viewed as conduct unbecoming of a public official. Others defended the principle of free speech while acknowledging that the timing and tone of the remarks were inappropriate.
The incident has dominated news cycles and social media discussions, reflecting the deep emotional connection many Kenyans had with Raila Odinga and their expectations for respectful conduct from leaders during this mourning period.
Implications for Kenya’s Political Landscape
This controversy comes at a critical time in Kenya’s political evolution, as the nation grapples with questions of national unity, regional inclusion, and the legacy of its founding political figures. The incident underscores the fragility of political alliances and the enduring power of regional politics in Kenya, even as leaders across divides have increasingly emphasized the need for national cohesion.
The swift condemnation from leaders across party lines, including from the ruling UDA party, suggests a growing consensus that certain boundaries of political discourse should not be crossed, particularly when it comes to matters of death and mourning. This may signal a maturing of Kenya’s political culture, where inflammatory rhetoric is increasingly rejected regardless of political affiliation.
Looking Ahead: Possible Outcomes and Resolutions
As the dust settles on this controversy, several potential outcomes remain possible. Governor Kahiga may issue a public apology, which could help defuse tensions and allow for reconciliation. The Council of Governors’ emergency meeting could result in formal sanctions or a strong rebuke that sets precedent for future conduct by county leaders.
Alternatively, if Kahiga refuses to apologize or the situation escalates, it could lead to more severe consequences, including potential impeachment proceedings or other disciplinary measures. The incident may also prompt broader discussions about codes of conduct for public officials and the boundaries of acceptable political discourse in Kenya.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s remarks on Raila Odinga’s death has revealed both the sensitivities surrounding political discourse in Kenya and the broad respect that the former Prime Minister commanded across the political spectrum. The unified condemnation from leaders of different parties, regions, and political persuasions underscores a national consensus that certain standards of respect and decorum must be maintained, particularly during periods of mourning.
As Kenya continues to mourn one of its most influential political figures, this incident serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with political leadership and the importance of promoting unity rather than division. The coming days will reveal whether Governor Kahiga chooses to acknowledge the hurt caused by his remarks and take steps toward reconciliation, or whether this controversy will have longer-lasting repercussions for his political career and for the broader political discourse in Kenya.
What remains clear is that Raila Odinga’s legacy as a champion of democracy, devolution, and national unity will endure, and that legacy is being defended by Kenyans from all walks of life who refuse to allow it to be diminished, even as they navigate the complex political realities of a nation in transition.
