Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, the younger sister of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has strongly condemned Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga for making remarks that appeared to celebrate her brother’s passing.
In a statement shared on her Facebook page on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, Ruth described Kahiga’s comments as shameful and insensitive, saying, “A whole governor, shame on you.”
The controversy erupted after Kahiga, while speaking in Kikuyu during a burial ceremony in Nyeri, claimed that Raila’s death was “God’s intervention” amid what he termed “confusion in heaven.” He further suggested that the Mt. Kenya region had been politically sidelined due to Raila’s alliance with President William Ruto, and that divine power had “levelled the playing field.”
Kahiga’s remarks quickly drew widespread condemnation across the political divide.
The Council of Governors (CoG), chaired by Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, denounced the comments as reckless, insensitive, and unbecoming of a leader, clarifying that they reflected Kahiga’s personal opinions and not those of the council.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) also issued a statement condemning the remarks, saying they would pray for Kahiga and urging him to seek forgiveness. ODM Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga described the governor’s words as primitive and divisive, accusing him of disrespecting both Raila’s memory and the Luo community.
Even leaders from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) joined in the criticism. UDA Chairperson and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire called Kahiga’s remarks careless and disrespectful, stressing that they do not reflect the values of the Mt. Kenya region or the party. She urged him to issue an immediate public apology to Raila’s family and the Kenyan public.
Raila Odinga, who passed away earlier this month, was revered for his decades-long struggle for democracy, justice, and national unity. Ruth Odinga and leaders from across the political spectrum have since called on Governor Kahiga to retract his remarks and reflect on the dignity and responsibility required of public office.
