Ruth Odinga blasts Kahiga over Raila’s death remarks

Ruth Odinga, the younger sister of the late Raila Odinga, has condemned Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga for remarks that appeared to celebrate her brother’s passing.

Through a post on her Facebook page on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, the Kisumu Woman Representative termed Kahiga’s remarks as shameful, saying, “A whole governor, shame on you.”

You might also like

Entertainment

Alikua moto kama pasi - Ruth Odinga recalls high school romance with senator Onyonka

News

Oketch Salah insists he spent painful final moments with Raila despite family denials

News

ODM doesn’t belong to one family: Oketch Salah issues defiant ultimatum to Odinga clan

The controversy erupted hours after Kahiga, speaking in his native Kikuyu during a burial ceremony in Nyeri on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, suggested Raila’s death was “God’s intervention” amid confusion in heaven.

He implied that the Mt Kenya region had been sidelined due to Raila’s close ties with President William Ruto and claimed that divine power had “levelled the playing field” politically.

Also watch: Wajackoyah vows to continue Raila’s legacy

Kahiga’s statements immediately drew criticism across the political spectrum. The Council of Governors (CoG), led by Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, called the remarks reckless, insensitive, and unbecoming of a leader. CoG stressed that Kahiga’s comments were personal opinions and did not represent the views of the council.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party also condemned the governor, praying for him and asking God to forgive him for the remarks. ODM Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga called Kahiga’s statements primitive and divisive, adding that they were not only disrespectful to Raila’s memory but also an attack on the Luo community.

Even the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) joined the chorus of criticism. Party Chairperson and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire described Kahiga’s comments as careless and disrespectful, emphasising that they did not reflect the values of Mt. Kenya or the party.

She demanded that Kahiga issue an immediate public apology to Raila’s family and the nation.

Raila Odinga, Kenya’s former Prime Minister and ODM leader, was widely respected for his dedication to democracy, justice, and national unity. Ruth Odinga, along with political leaders from various parties, has urged Kahiga to retract his remarks and reflect on the responsibility of public office.