Peter Mbae slams leaders associating Kahiga’s remarks to Gachagua
By Nancy Marende, October 23, 2025The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Secretary for Planning and Economic Affairs, Peter Mbae, has faulted leaders for associating Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s controversial remarks about Raila Odinga’s death with Rigathi Gachagua.
Governor Kahiga made the controversial remarks during a burial ceremony in Nyeri, speaking in Kikuyu, which has sparked 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,” the governor said.
Speaking at a local TV station on Thursday, October 23, 2025, Mbae questioned why some politicians were dragging Gachagua into the controversy, insisting that the Deputy President had nothing to do with Kahiga’s comments.
“Why are people linking Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s insensitive remarks to Rigathi Gachagua? Did Gachagua send him? Gachagua has no business defending or countering everyone in this country,” Mbae said.
He further distanced his party from the governor, noting, “Governor Kahiga is not from our party, DCP; he is part of the system. Whatever he said was not a mistake; it was by design, and he was sent by the state to create a rift between two communities.”
Gladys Wanga
His remarks come shortly after ODM Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga accused Kahiga of acting as a mouthpiece for former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in mocking the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Speaking during a press conference on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, Wanga described Kahiga’s recent remarks during a burial in Nyeri, which appeared to celebrate Raila’s passing, as reckless, shameful, and politically motivated.
She claimed that Kahiga’s statements were not made independently but were coordinated to serve the political interests of Gachagua.
“We are still in very deep mourning for our leader, Raila Odinga, yet we are forced to address these despicable remarks. Kahiga does not speak for himself; he is the spokesperson of Rigathi Gachagua,” Wanga said, condemning the governor’s comments as disrespectful to Raila’s legacy of unity, democracy, and selfless service to the nation.
Wanga further demanded that Kahiga resign from his position as Vice-Chairman of the Council of Governors, citing his irresponsible conduct. “It is utterly absurd and astonishing for someone of his calibre, holding such a significant leadership position, to make these statements. He can lead in his village, but he cannot lead at a national level,” she added.
She also criticised Kahiga for repeatedly using Raila’s name to advance personal and political ambitions. She accused him of exploiting divisions and mocking a leader who dedicated his life to the country’s freedoms, equality, and national unity.