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How ODM orchestrated Kahiga’s resignation as CoG vice-chair after Raila’s death remarks
22nd October, 2025 11:16 AM
Caption:ODM condemns Governor Kahiga over remarks on Raila Odinga’s death.VIDEO/K24TV Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has been at the receiving end following his controversial remarks about the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The nationwide outrage was sparked after a video surfaced showing him making remarks that many perceived to mean that the death of the ODM leader would now free government resources for the Mt Kenya region.
“The plan that had been hatched, if you look keenly, for you who do not travel, because I was in that region, all the goodies were being directed there because of tomorrow’s plans, because it seemed like they did away with us, but God came and brought this thing,” Kahiga stated in vernacular.
“So now people have been told to go back to the drawing board because the plan that was there was probably to throw us out. But 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 people in heaven are disagreeing a lot and came for Baba so that he can go and smooth things up there.”
ODM, led by its Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, accused Kahiga of acting as a mouthpiece for former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in mocking Raila.
Gachagua did not attend both the requiem mass and the burial ceremony of the late Raila, save for the condolence message.
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.
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.
Kahiga steps down
It is a series of statements by the ODM and uproar from even members of the public that piled pressure on the county boss to apologise and resign because the Council of Governors (CoG) had also threatened to take action against him.
Kahiga apologises
“I want to sincerely apologise to our morning nation, to the family of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Mama Ida, her children Rosemary, Junior and Winnie, Senator Oburu Oginga, Ruth Odinga, other siblings, the larger extended family, the ODM fraternity, the Luo nation and the Kenyans at large, and to my colleague leaders from all sides of the political divide for any harm it has elicited,” he said.
“The clip was taken while attending a burial in my home village, and my remarks were in no way celebratory.”
Kahiga, in his address, clarified that his remarks, made in vernacular, were not meant to celebrate Raila’s death and that he was commenting on the political and developmental challenges faced under the current broad-based government and the impact of Raila’s death on national planning.
“As the popular saying goes, God takes the best, and it is in this context that I made those remarks in vernacular,” he added.
The governor emphasised that the statements reflected his personal views and should not be associated with the broader community, any political affiliation, or the Council of Governors.
Acknowledging the public interest and perceived harm caused by his words, the governor took responsibility and announced his resignation from CoG, effective immediately.
“I am taking responsibility for the real and perceived meaning of my remarks, and as a result, I have decided that with immediate effect, I am going to step down as the Vice Chair of the Council of Governors,” he said.
Raila Odinga, who died of cardiac arrest on October 15, 2025, while receiving treatment in India, was laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, 2025.
