Leaders Condemn Governor Kahiga Over Insensitive Remarks on Raila's Death

Led by Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, the leaders said Kahiga’s utterances were in bad taste and disrespected a man whose contribution to Kenya’s democracy was widely recognized. They called on all leaders to uphold dignity and empathy, especially when the nation is mourning.

Governor Mbarire expressed disappointment at Kahiga’s comments, noting that respect for the dead transcends political and ideological differences. “Even if you don’t support anyone, it is good to cry with those who are crying,or you keep quiet. That is why we, as governors, have resolved to remove him from the position of vice chairman of the Council of Governors.”she noted.

Her statement came after Kahiga’s controversial remarks during a funeral in Nyeri, where he suggested that the death of Raila Odinga had disrupted political plans that would have sidelined the Mt Kenya region. His words drew outrage across the country, prompting calls for his resignation.

Mbarire said that such sentiments only serve to divide Kenyans further at a time when the nation should be united in mourning. She emphasized that leadership requires empathy, restraint, and responsibility when addressing matters of national sensitivity.

Ruguru Ngandori MCA Muturi Mwombo echoed Mbarire’s sentiments, saying Kahiga’s utterances were beneath the dignity expected of a senior leader. “Those were reckless words that reflected his personal opinion, not the position of Mt Kenya leaders or locals,” he said.

Mwombo added that the people of Mt Kenya stand in solidarity with the family of the late Raila Odinga and the Nyanza region as they mourn their departed son. “We are mourning together with the people of Nyanza. What Kahiga said does not represent our feelings,” he emphasized.

He urged leaders to weigh their words carefully, especially when addressing emotional national matters. “Words can heal or hurt. In this case, they have hurt an entire nation that is still coming to terms with the loss of a statesman,” he noted.

However, Mwombo appealed to members of the Nyeri County Assembly not to rush into impeaching the governor, saying that doing so would plunge the county into unnecessary political drama. He urged them to allow him to serve the remainder of his term while reflecting on his actions.

The controversy surrounding Governor Kahiga’s remarks has reignited a national conversation on responsible leadership and the need for unity during times of grief.