MP Gitonga Mukunji Slams Governor Mutahi Kahiga Over “Shameful” Remarks on Raila Odinga’s Death
By Bruno Mugala Atonya
Manyatta Member of Parliament Gitonga Mukunji has strongly condemned Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga for his controversial remarks regarding the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, terming them “shameful and insensitive.”
Governor Kahiga has faced widespread backlash after suggesting that Raila’s death was a form of divine intervention meant to politically rescue the Mount Kenya region. His comments, made during a burial ceremony in Nyeri, were recorded and have since gone viral—igniting outrage across the country.
In the viral clip, Kahiga claimed that the political handshake between President William Ruto and the late Odinga had diverted government development projects toward the Nyanza region. Speaking in Kikuyu dialect, the governor implied that Raila’s passing had restored balance, saying, “God came through for us… all goodies were being directed elsewhere, but God brought this thing.”
The remarks were met with fierce criticism from the public and political leaders who accused the governor of disrespecting a national hero during a period of mourning.
Reacting to the controversy, MP Mukunji called out the governor’s remarks as “reckless and divisive,” urging political leaders to exercise restraint and sensitivity. “Governor Kahiga must be held accountable for his words. Such statements should never be used to vilify a community or incite political animosity,” Mukunji stated.
He further appealed to leaders across the political divide to use the moment to promote peace and unity, describing this as the most fitting way to honour Raila Odinga’s enduring legacy. “Raila’s life was dedicated to justice, equality, and holding governments accountable. Even after reconciling with President Ruto, his focus remained on unity and the nation’s progress,” Mukunji added.
The Manyatta legislator also dismissed attempts to link Kahiga’s statements to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, calling such claims baseless and misleading.
Following the backlash, Governor Kahiga issued a public apology and resigned from his position as Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors, acknowledging that his remarks were inappropriate and had hurt many Kenyans.
Despite the apology, the incident has reignited discussions on the need for responsible political speech, especially during moments of national grief, with many calling for leaders to prioritize compassion over political point-scoring.
