Wanga: Kahiga’s governorship is a product of Raila’s struggle, yet he still attacks him
By Paulette Mboga, October 22, 2025Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has strongly criticised Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga over his recent remarks that appeared to mock the death of ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, Wanga said it was hypocritical for Kahiga to insult Raila, yet his political position exists because of the struggle and sacrifices Raila made for Kenya’s democracy.
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“The very position Kahiga holds as the governor of Nyeri is a creation of the fight, of Raila Odinga,” Wanga said.
She added that Kahiga and other politicians had used Raila’s name throughout their political journeys, both to rise to power and to gain attention in national politics.
“And we know there are politicians like Kahiga, who in the life of Raila Odinga have used him as a bogeyman, to scale political heights there, but it is shocking that they continue to make Raila Odinga a bogeyman in his death,” she said.
Wanga further claimed that Kahiga’s remarks were not his own opinion, suggesting that he was speaking on behalf of other powerful figures.
“And what I know is that Kahiga does not speak for himself,” she said.
Wanga defends Raila’s legacy
Wanga said it was wrong for anyone to use Raila Odinga’s death to make divisive or disrespectful statements, especially when Raila had spent his entire life fighting for political freedoms that made positions like governorships possible.
She said those who insult Raila in death are the same people who benefited from his fight for devolution and democracy.
Also watch: ODM condemns Governor Kahiga over remarks on Raila Odinga’s death
Her comments came after Kahiga’s statement in Nyeri, which many interpreted as mocking Raila’s passing.
Speaking in his native Kikuyu language, Kahiga told residents that God had disrupted a plan that was allegedly meant to benefit Raila’s side. “
You guys can see what had been planned, but God brought something up. Now it’s total confusion. Everybody can see that,” Kahiga said.
He continued, “We did not harbour hate for anyone, but God came through for us.”
Watch: Kahiga steps down as Council of Governors deputy chair after public outcry
Kahiga also added that certain developments were being directed toward one region because of political plans that have now been interrupted.
“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. But God came and brought this thing,” he said.