On day five of Kenya’s seven days of mourning, the nation remains cloaked in black, flags flying low, hearts even lower. Yet amid the grief, a storm has brewed from Nyeri, where Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s remarks on the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga have struck a raw national nerve, forcing the country to confront the thin line between freedom of speech and the failure of decency.
The Council of Governors (CoG) has publicly disowned Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga over his controversial remarks appearing to celebrate the death of Raila Odinga. The comments, captured in a viral funeral video, have drawn outrage across the political spectrum and prompted the council to call an extraordinary meeting to deliberate on the matter.
In a firm statement released Tuesday night, CoG Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi said the council was “deeply disturbed” by Kahiga’s utterances, describing them as “reckless, insensitive, unfortunate, and profoundly inhumane.”
“We wish to disassociate ourselves in toto from the sentiments expressed by Governor Mutahi Kahiga,” said Abdullahi. “These were personal remarks that do not reflect, represent, or align with the views of the Council especially at this solemn time when the nation is in deep mourning.”
He added that it was morally and ethically unacceptable for any public officer to celebrate the passing of a man who shaped Kenya’s democratic journey and gave meaning to devolution.
“The late Right Honourable Raila Odinga was and will forever remain a statesman whose contributions are deeply embedded in the annals of our country’s history,” Abdullahi said. “He was not only the architect and father of devolution, but also its fiercest protector and most passionate advocate. Beyond politics, he was a father, husband, grandfather, brother, and mentor a man who meant many things to many people.”
The CoG chair further announced that he had convened an urgent Extraordinary Council Meeting for Wednesday morning to discuss the governor’s remarks and “chart the way forward.”
The Controversial Remarks
The controversy stems from a video clip taken during a funeral in Nyeri County. Speaking in his native Kikuyu language, Kahiga suggested that Raila Odinga’s death was an act of divine intervention that prevented a political plot against his region.
“You can see what had been planned, but God brought something up. We did not harbour hate for anyone, but God came through for us because the plan that had been hatched all goodies were being directed there because of tomorrow’s plans,” Kahiga said.
“People have been told to go back to the drawing board because the plan that was there was probably to throw us out. But who is God? He came through in his own way. He saw that people in heaven are disagreeing a lot and came for Baba so that he can go and smoothen things up there.”
In the now-viral clip circulating online, Governor Kahiga appears to draw a connection between Raila Odinga’s political influence and what he perceived as shifting government priorities. He went on to suggest that Raila’s death had “levelled the playing field,” forcing all political players, including the President, to return to the drawing board ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“You guys can see, you can see what had been planned but God brought something up. Now it’s total confusion. Everybody can see that. We did not harbor hate for anyone but God came through for us… Because the plan that had been hatched… all goodies were being directed there because of tomorrow’s plans… but God came and brought this thing,” says Kahiga.
He goes on: “So now people have been told to go back to the drawing board because the plan that was there was probably to throw us out. But who is God? Does he take ugali at somebody’s house or sleep in Kayole? He came through in his own way. 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.”
Within hours, the video went viral, sparking outrage and disbelief. Many Kenyans accused Kahiga of mocking the death of a national icon, while others described his remarks as a dangerous display of ethnic arrogance.
The backlash was swift and unrelenting both from citizens and the political elite.
Nationwide Outrage
Former Chief Justice David Maraga was among the first to respond, invoking the spirit of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution.
“As a campaign that is guided by the Ukatiba Philosophy, we would like to remind Governor Mutahi Kahiga of Nyeri County that Article 73 (1) of the Constitution requires a State Officer to demonstrate respect for the people and bring honour to the nation and dignity to the office,” Maraga said.
“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,” CJ Emeritus concluded.
Mount Kenya Leaders Distance Themselves
From the Mount Kenya region, reactions were equally fierce signalling that Kahiga stood alone even within his political backyard.
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, who also chairs the ruling UDA party, made her disapproval clear.
“I am deeply disturbed by the reckless and insensitive remarks made by my colleague, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, following the passing of former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga,” she said.
“At a time when our nation is mourning, such statements are profoundly disrespectful both to the memory of a statesman and to millions of Kenyans who are grieving his loss. Let it be clearly understood: Governor Kahiga’s remarks do not reflect the views of the Mount Kenya region.”
Mbarire praised Raila Odinga as a true champion of devolution and demanded a public apology.
“Baba was a visionary who believed in empowering counties and strengthening governance. I therefore demand that Governor Kahiga issues a public apology immediately,” she said.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru echoed her sentiments, calling the remarks “callous and irresponsible.”
“The remarks made today by my colleague, 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. Politics does not oust basic decency,” said Waiguru.
“As a people, we stand with the rest of Kenya in mourning a great statesman, Raila Odinga.”
‘Reckless, Insensitive, and Shameful’
In the opposition, leaders from Raila’s traditional strongholds demanded accountability.
Martha Karua, leader of the People’s Liberation Party (PLP) and Raila’s 2022 running mate, described Kahiga’s statement as “reckless and insensitive,” emphasizing that his words did not reflect the sentiments of “multitudes of Kenyans from the mountain and the entire nation who honour Raila’s memory.”
Western Kenya leaders were equally incensed. Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa said Kahiga had “dishonoured the spirit of leadership.”
“It is disturbing to witness Governor Mutahi Kahiga celebrating the death of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga,” Barasa said. “Baba’s fight for devolution made it possible for Kahiga to serve as governor today. His remarks are insensitive and a disgrace to the spirit of leadership and national unity. He should do the decent thing resign.”
In Homa Bay, Governor Gladys Wanga, ODM chairperson, was even more scathing.
“Today, Governor Mutahi Kahiga came out with a very rare admission that for him and his supporters, Raila’s death was their prayer answered. None of his past outbursts have been as primitive, insensitive, and insulting as what he said today about Raila, the Luo nation, and the sharing of the national cake.”
She accused Kahiga of tribal chauvinism.
“It is time for all who value the unity of this country to take a stand and condemn this depth of tribal hate. Chauvinism like Kahiga’s has set many nations aflame it could do so in Kenya too. We all have a duty to call him out and demand that he appreciates that Kenya belongs to all.”
Wanga demanded Kahiga’s resignation as CoG vice-chair. Siaya Governor James Orengo was equally forceful:
“These utterances by the Governor of Nyeri about Raila Odinga are shameful, callous, and distasteful and they are not protected speech. This is hateful speech that brings dishonour to the public office occupied by the Governor. Impunity at its worst,” Orengo said.
Narc leader Charity Ngilu was furious, calling the statements “grossly despicable” and an “unwarranted attack on a grieving family.”
“Governor Kahiga must unreservedly apologise for his unbridled bigotry. Shame on you!” she wrote on X.
Even some of Raila’s fiercest critics condemned Kahiga. Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi said:
“Why are you pushing one community against the wall when the country is yet to come to terms with the death of Baba Raila? Irresponsible and reckless statement from a leader. Shame on you!”
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, a frequent government defender, added:
“Kahiga’s words were ungodly, un-African, uncouth, and bordering on witchcraft.”
A Nation Still in Mourning
Kahiga’s remarks come during a seven-day national mourning period following Raila Odinga’s death. His passing last week shocked the nation, sparking emotional tributes from citizens, presidents, and global leaders alike.
Legal scholars argue that Kahiga’s utterances may amount to a violation of Chapter Six of the Constitution on leadership and integrity. By publicly making remarks viewed as celebrating death, critics say, Kahiga undermined the dignity of his office.
Devolution and the Man Who Built It
The irony of Kahiga’s remarks was not lost on many. The same man he seemed to mock, Raila Odinga, is credited with championing devolution, the system of governance that created positions like governor in the first place. As CoG Chair Ahmed Abdullahi reminded the nation, “Raila was the architect and fiercest protector of devolution.”
The Council of Governors is expected to issue a follow-up statement after its extraordinary meeting. While no formal disciplinary framework exists for such conduct, members may consider an internal censure or recommend further action to relevant oversight bodies.
Raila Odinga’s Final Push for Devolution
Until his passing in October 2025, Raila Odinga remained one of Kenya’s strongest voices for devolution. In his final months, he argued that lasting transformation would only be achieved when counties were adequately funded and empowered to make key decisions for their people.
At the heart of his reform agenda was a bold call to abolish the Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), increase county allocations, and fully devolve functions such as education and road maintenance.
Odinga often accused national institutions of undermining devolution by clinging to powers and resources meant for counties. He singled out the NG-CDF and the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), saying they blurred the line between oversight and implementation. Redirecting those funds to counties, he argued, would enhance accountability and ensure local needs drive spending.
When it came to revenue, he championed a significant increase in county funding beyond the 15 percent constitutional minimum. He calculated that redirecting CDF allocations could raise the county share to 17.5 percent, and in June 2025, he called on Parliament to allocate KSh 450 billion to counties.
At the August 2025 Devolution Conference, Odinga presented what would become one of his final blueprints for reform: a performance-based reward system to recognize top-performing counties, and pensions for governors completing two full terms, a move he said would promote accountability, continuity, and integrity in leadership.
