‘God takes the best’ – Kahiga defends his remarks on Raila’s death
By William Muthama, October 22, 2025Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has defended his recent remarks regarding the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying they were taken out of context and were in no way meant to celebrate the leader’s passing.
Speaking on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, Kahiga defended himself, saying, “God takes the best,” explaining that his words reflected on leadership and development under the current government, rather than a celebration of the late leader’s death.
He stated that the clip circulating on social media, which caused public outrage, had been taken out of context.
Kahiga apologised to Raila’s family, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) fraternity, the Luo community, and all Kenyans who felt hurt by his statements.
“From the very onset, I want to sincerely apologise to our mourning nation, to the family of the late Raila Molo Odinga. Mama Ida, her children Rosemary, Junior, and Winnie, Senator Oburu Odinga, MP Ruth Odinga, other siblings, and the larger extended family for any harm my words have elicited,” he said.
He added that he also extended his apology to leaders across the political divide who may have been offended.
The governor explained that the clip that caused public backlash was recorded during a burial in his home village and that his remarks were a personal reflection on governance and the development challenges faced under the current broad-based government.
“The loss of the Right Honourable former Prime Minister Raila Odinga sent everyone back to the drawing board. It is in this context that I made those remarks in vernacular,” Kahiga clarified. He stressed that his statements were personal and should not be associated with his community, political affiliations, or the Council of Governors.
Acknowledging the sensitivity of the issue, Kahiga took responsibility for the impact of his remarks and announced that he would step down as Vice-Chair of the Council of Governors (CoG) with immediate effect.
“I am taking responsibility of the real and perceived meaning of my remarks. With immediate effect, I am stepping down as Vice Chair of the Council of Governors. As I do this, I pray that the soul of the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga continues to rest in eternal peace. God bless Kenya,” he stated.
Kahiga’s apology comes after widespread condemnation from political leaders.