In the wake of Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s inflammatory comments appearing to celebrate the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, leaders from the Mount Kenya region have largely condemned the remarks as divisive, insensitive, and unbecoming of a public official.
Kahiga’s statement, which suggested Odinga’s passing was an “answered prayer” that “saved” the Mount Kenya region by leveling the political playing field, sparked widespread outrage across Kenya, prompting apologies, resignations, and calls for accountability.
The controversy erupted on October 21, when a video surfaced of Kahiga addressing a gathering, claiming that Odinga’s death had forced President William Ruto to refocus on Mount Kenya after allegedly prioritizing development in Nyanza region.
“Raila’s death has leveled the playing field,” Kahiga reportedly said, adding that it had “saved Mt. Kenya” from perceived neglect.”
The remarks drew immediate backlash, with many viewing them as ethnically charged and disrespectful during a national period of mourning for Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan politics who passed away recently.
Prominent Mount Kenya leaders quickly distanced themselves from Kahiga’s views. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, a fellow Nyeri native and influential figure in the region, publicly rebuked the governor, describing the statement as “insensitive” and potentially divisive.
“It is not in anybody’s interest for you to make such statements that can be divisive,” Kagwe stated, emphasizing the need for sympathy in times of loss.
He added, “As human beings, we sympathise with those kinds of situations. I know the feelings of the Nyeri people. We are mourning with the rest of Kenya.”
Kagwe’s comments reflected a broader sentiment among regional leaders to prioritize national unity over political opportunism.
Other Mount Kenya politicians echoed similar condemnations. Aspiring MCA for Kiganjo Ward, Stephen Kariuki, strongly denounced Kahiga’s words as “inhumane, divisive, and dishonoring the dignity of a nation in mourning.”
Even within Kahiga’s own political circles, the backlash was swift. The Council of Governors (CoG), which includes several Mount Kenya representatives, dissociated itself from the remarks, labeling them “inhumane and unacceptable.”
The council stressed that it was wrong to “celebrate” the passing of a leader who had contributed significantly to Kenya’s democratic journey.
Not all reactions were uniformly critical, however. Some voices in the region suggested Kahiga’s comments, while poorly phrased, tapped into unspoken frustrations about political dynamics. One anonymous post from a Mount Kenya user noted that
“Gov. Mutahi Kahiga has said what many people from Murima fear saying,” implying that some residents quietly shared the view that Odinga’s influence had shifted resources away from the region.
Nonetheless, such sentiments remained fringe, with most public figures opting for condemnation to avoid escalating ethnic tensions.The fallout led to tangible consequences for Kahiga.
Facing mounting pressure, including summons from the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) for potentially divisive and ethnically charged comments, the governor issued an apology, claiming his words were taken out of context.
He subsequently resigned from his position as vice chairperson of the CoG amid the uproar. In a video statement, Kahiga expressed regret over his remarks on Odinga’s death and announced his withdrawal from the council role.
The incident has also drawn in other high-profile figures, with some linking Kahiga’s statement to broader political rivalries.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, while not from Mount Kenya, accused Kahiga of speaking on behalf of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, a key Mount Kenya leader who has yet to publicly mourn Odinga.
In response, Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji defended Gachagua, rejecting Wanga’s warnings against his potential visit to Bondo for Odinga’s burial.
This exchange highlighted underlying tensions between regions, but Mount Kenya leaders like Kagwe and Kariuki focused on de-escalation.
As Kenya continues to grieve Odinga’s loss, the episode underscores the fragile balance of national unity in a politically charged environment.
Leaders from Mount Kenya, by and large, have chosen to condemn Kahiga’s remarks, reinforcing calls for respect and cohesion during this somber time.
Political analysts suggest the controversy could impact regional alliances ahead of future elections, with demands for Kahiga’s resignation or impeachment still circulating.
