Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has sparked widespread national outrage following controversial remarks he made concerning the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Kahiga's comments, delivered in his native Kikuyu language at a burial ceremony, suggested that Odinga's death was a positive development for the Central Kenya region.
The video clip detailing his speech quickly went viral on Tuesday evening, October 21, 2025.
The Core Claim: Resources for Mount Kenya
Governor Kahiga claimed that Odinga’s death was a "blessing in disguise" for the Mt Kenya region. He maintained that the former Prime Minister's passing would now free government resources for Central Kenya.
He argued that the political understanding between Odinga and President William Ruto had previously redirected development priorities toward the Nyanza region.
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Kahiga suggested that Odinga's death had forced political players to "go back to the drawing board" before the 2027 General Election.
"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."
Background to the Mourning
The controversial comments came shortly after the burial of Raila Odinga. Mr Odinga, a statesman whose contributions are embedded in Kenyan history, died last week on Wednesday, October 15.
Sources indicate he died of a cardiac arrest while receiving treatment in India. Before his death, Odinga had entered into a working arrangement with President Ruto following years of political rivalry.
Political Backlash and Urgent Meetings
Kahiga’s statements drew immediate and strong condemnation from leaders across the political spectrum. The Council of Governors (CoG) responded quickly to the "outrageous, provocative and widely condemned remarks".
CoG Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi convened an urgent Extra-Ordinary Council Meeting for Wednesday, October 22, to deliberate on potential actions against Kahiga.
The Council of Governors stated they wished to "disassociate in total" with the Nyeri Governor's personal remarks.
The Council condemned the celebration of the death of a statesman "on account of perceived political calculations". They termed the remarks "reckless, insensitive, sad, and unfortunate".
Leaders Condemn Divisive Speech
Several high-profile leaders joined the wave of criticism. Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru described Kahiga's comments as "callous and irresponsible." She emphasised that the remarks do not reflect the views of the Mt Kenya leadership or people.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party issued a statement, praying that Governor Kahiga seek God's forgiveness for his utterances.
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Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui described the statement as "regrettable and most unfortunate". Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei demanded a public apology, calling the remarks "ungodly, un-African, uncouth and bordering on witchcraft".
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi condemned the comments as divisive and unworthy of a national leader.
"Governor Kahiga’s celebratory remarks that Luo-Nyanza will now be poorer because Raila Odinga is no more are silly and deeply unfortunate."
As calls for an apology grow, Kahiga has yet to respond publicly to the widespread condemnation.
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