Sossion: Kahiga’s remarks on Raila’s death reflect dangers of negative ethnicity
By Nancy Marende, October 23, 2025Former Kenya National Union of Teachers ( KNUT) Secretary-General Wilson Sossion has condemned Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s remarks following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing them as deeply shameful and a reflection of the country’s persistent challenge with negative ethnicity.
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.
Also watch: Nyeri MPs Call for Governor Kahiga’s Resignation Over Remarks on Raila’s Death
Speaking at a local TV station on Thursday, October 23, 2025, Sossion said it was disturbing that such divisive statements could come from leaders entrusted with promoting unity and national cohesion.
“Kahiga’s remarks on Raila’s death display a mix of intellectual thought, wild behavior, deep shame and shock, especially when such conduct comes from our leaders,” Sossion said.
He urged Kenyans to take the passing of Raila Odinga as a moment for reflection on the values of unity, tolerance, and justice that the late opposition leader championed throughout his life.
“As we celebrate Raila’s life, let us reflect on the dangers of negative ethnicity and go beyond merely calling out leaders, let us work to criminalise those who perpetuate such divisive practices,” he added.
Also watch: Embu Leaders Condemn Kahiga Over ‘Insensitive’ Remarks on Raila’s Death.
NCIC
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) 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.
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, 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