NAIROBI—In a nation still reeling from the sudden death of the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s “inflammatory” comments have plunged Kenya into fresh turmoil.
While Addressing mourners in Kikuyu at a funeral in his county on Tuesday, Kahiga appeared to frame Odinga’s passing as divine intervention favoring Mt. Kenya, sparking widespread outrage and calls for his resignation.
Eldas MP Adan Keynan swiftly denounced the remarks as “utterly disgraceful” on his X account, amplifying a growing tide of criticism from leaders across the political spectrum.
Kahiga’s speech, captured in a viral video, painted a picture of relief amid national grief. “We did not harbor hate for anyone but God came through for us,” he said, alleging that resources were being funneled to Nyanza in anticipation of Odinga’s influence.
“Because the plan that had been hatched… all goodies were being directed there… it seemed like they did away with us but God came and brought this thing (Raila’s death). So now people have been told to go back to the drawing board… He saw up there people in heaven are disagreeing a lot and came for Baba so that he can go and smoothen things up there.” Governor Mutahi added.
The governor’s words, delivered with laughter, have been interpreted as mocking the Luo community and celebrating a rival’s demise, exacerbating ethnic tensions at a time when Kenyans are urged to unite in mourning.
Keynan, a vocal advocate for national cohesion, fired back immediately on X, labeling Kahiga’s statements a “disturbing decay of moral judgment and a complete absence of compassion.”
He elaborated: “To publicly celebrate the death of any individual, let alone a national figure, is not only barbaric and inhumane, but also an affront to the very values that bind us together as a civilized society. Such reckless utterances reek of hate, insensitivity and political immaturity that have no place in modern Kenya. At a time when the country is united in grief, we expect leaders to be voices of comfort, not instruments of division and contempt.”
The backlash has been swift and multifaceted. Council of Governors have also distanced the body from Kahiga, calling the remarks “reckless, insensitive and inhumane,” and convened an emergency meeting to address the fallout.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru echoed this, condemning the comments as a betrayal of leadership’s solemn duty during crises.
“The remarks made by Nyeri Governor Kahiga are not just unfortunate; they are callous and irresponsible. They do not reflect the views of the leadership or the people of Mt. Kenya.
Let us be clear: politics does not oust basic decency. For the record, as a people, we stand with the rest of Kenya in mourning a great statesman, Raila Odinga.” Governor Waiguru said.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga went further, arguing that Kahiga’s words violate Chapter Six of the 2010 Constitution on leadership and integrity, demanding accountability.
“As a campaign that is guided by the Ukatiba Philosophy, we would like to remind Governor Mutahi Kahiga of Nyeri County that Art 73 (1) of the Constitution requires a State Officer “demonstrate respect for the people; and
(iii) bring honour to the nation and dignity to the office”. CJ Emeritus said in a post on X.
“The Governor’s remarks regarding the demise of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga are abhorrent and should not only be treated with the contempt they deserve, he should also be reminded, that these remarks are a violation of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.” He added.
Opposition voices amplified the fury. Narok Senator Ledama Olekina warned, “We will deal with him accordingly,” insisting on an apology or face repercussions for sowing division.
Former Mandera Senator Billow Kerrow branded the governor’s conduct a breach of constitutional oaths, urging him to “resign from office and keep his mouth shut forever.”
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei questioned, “My brother Governor Kahiga, why are you celebrating the death of Raila Odinga and ridiculing the Luo community?”
The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) have also weighed in expressing their concern and disappointment over the “reckless” remarks made by Governor Mutahi Kahiga regarding the passing of the late Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.
“Governor Kahiga’s utterances were uncalled for, disrespectful, and insensitive to a nation in mourning. At a time when Kenyans are united in grief, such remarks serve to cause pain, sow division, and undermine the dignity of public leadership.” KEWOPA said in a statement released on Wednesday.
“The late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga was a towering figure in Kenya’s history, a statesman who dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, equality, and democracy. His sacrifices, courage, and contribution to the nation’s political evolution are well documented and deeply respected. To reduce his passing to political commentary is unfortunate and dishonorable.” KEWOPA noted.
Civil society and netizens joined the fray. Influencer Sholla Ard decried the “moral decay,” stating, “When a leader stands before cameras and laughs at death, that’s not courage or leadership… May we be the generation that ends tribalism, not the one that keeps it alive.”
Economist Samwel Wekesa labeled it “hateful, divisive, and unacceptable,” calling for Kahiga’s arrest.
The Council of Governors described the remarks as “inhumane and unacceptable,” highlighting their potential to undermine national healing.
As Kenya buries Odinga on Sunday, Kahiga’s defiance—defending his words as “God’s plan”—threatens to overshadow tributes to the opposition leader’s legacy of reform and resilience.
With impeachment petitions circulating online and the CoG deliberating, the episode serves as a stark reminder of politics’ peril in grief-stricken times. Will Kahiga apologize, or has he irreparably fractured the fragile bonds of unity? Only time—and accountability—will tell.
