NCIC summons Nyeri governor Kahiga over remarks on Raila’s death
By David Nthua, October 22, 2025The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga to record a statement over his remarks that appeared to celebrate the death of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Through a statement shared on its official X handle on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, the Samuel Kobia-led Commission said it had launched investigations into Kahiga’s comments.
Also watch: Kahiga steps down as Council of Governors deputy chair after public outcry
It describes them as reckless, insensitive, and deeply hurtful to a nation still in mourning.
“The National Cohesion and Integration Commission wishes to categorically condemn, in the strongest terms possible, the utterances made by the Governor of Nyeri County, Hon. Mutahi Kahiga, regarding the passing of the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga,” the NCIC statement reads in parts.
The Commission said the remarks dishonoured the memory of a national hero and risked fanning ethnic tension at a time when Kenyans across political and ethnic lines were united in grief.
“The careless and provocative nature of the Governor’s remarks flies in the face of the expectations of responsible leadership,” NCIC said, adding that it had received an official complaint and would summon the Governor to explain his remarks.
The Commission further urged Kahiga to issue an unreserved public apology and commended the Council of Governors for distancing itself from his statements.
What Governor Kahiga said about Raila’s death
Governor Kahiga made the controversial remarks during a burial ceremony in Nyeri, speaking in Kikuyu and later sparking outrage nationwide.
“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 harbour hate for anyone, but God came through for us,” said the Governor.
Also watch: Jeremiah Kioni: Mutahi Kahiga has outdone himself in disgrace
“Because the plan that had been hatched, if you look keenly, for you who do not travel because I was in that region, all goodies were being directed there because of tomorrow’s plans, because it seemed like they did away with us, but God came and brought this thing,” he added.
Kahiga went on to say, “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 smooth things up there.”
Also watch: Eric Wamumbi calls for Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s impeachment
The remarks have triggered widespread condemnation from leaders and citizens alike.
Many have termed them shameful, divisive, and disrespectful to the memory of a man celebrated for his fight for democracy and national unity.
In its final message, NCIC appealed to all Kenyans to remain calm and honour Raila Odinga’s legacy by promoting peace and national cohesion during this period of mourning.