Orengo blasts Kahiga over shameful remarks on Raila’s death
Siaya County Governor James Orengo has descended on Nyeri’s Mutahi Kahiga over his recent remarks on the death of the late Raila Odinga.
Through his official and verified X handle on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, Orengo, a long-time ally of the late Raila, described Kahiga’s statements as shameful, callous, and an insult to the dignity of public office.
You might also like
Also watch: Nyeri leaders condemn Governor Kahiga over remarks on Raila Odinga’s death
“The utterances by the Governor of Nyeri about Raila Odinga are shameful, callous and distasteful and are not protected speech. This is hateful speech that brings dishonour to the public offices occupied by the Governor. Impunity at its worst,” Orengo wrote.
Outrage over Kahiga’s words
Kahiga, speaking in Nyeri during a burial ceremony, sparked nationwide outrage after appearing to celebrate Raila’s death and suggesting it was “God’s plan” to reset Kenya’s political order.
His remarks have been widely condemned as insensitive and divisive, coming at a time when the nation is mourning one of its most influential leaders.
In his controversial address delivered in Kikuyu, Kahiga claimed that Raila’s passing had “levelled the playing field” politically, implying it was divine intervention that worked in favour of the Mt Kenya region.
“You guys 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,” Kahiga said.
He went on to add, “Because the plan that had been hatched, if you look keenly, all goodies were being directed there because of tomorrow’s plans.
“But God came and brought this thing. 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 that people in heaven are disagreeing a lot and came for Baba so that he can go and smooth things up there.”
Orengo calls for accountability
Orengo said such statements were unbecoming of a governor and called for leaders to exercise restraint and humanity during this mourning period.
He noted that Raila Odinga was not just a politician but a national symbol of democracy, sacrifice, and hope for millions of Kenyans.
“What Kahiga said goes beyond politics. It shows the dangerous moral decay among some of our leaders. We must remember that words have power, especially in moments of grief. Raila belonged to all of us,” Orengo stated.
His remarks add to the growing list of leaders, including ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga, Jubilee’s Jeremiah Kioni, and UDA’s Cecily Mbarire, who have publicly condemned Governor Kahiga’s sentiments, demanding an apology and accountability for what they termed “a new low” in Kenya’s political discourse.
Also watch: ‘Mutahi Kahiga has outdone himself in disgrace’ – Jeremiah Kioni
