Why Gachagua is under pressure to break silence over Kahiga’s remarks
Pressure continues to mount on the former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, to speak up about his close ally, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s controversial remarks on the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Despite a public apology and his resignation from the Council of Governors’ Vice Chair, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party still maintains that the vile utterances were orchestrated by the Democracy for Citizens(DCP) Party boss.
You might also like
“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,” Kahiga said in a press briefing.
“The clip was taken while attending a burial in my home village, and my remarks were in no way celebratory.”
Since the remarks were made, Gachagua has been silent, with no statement or a press briefing to address the issue, which seems to ramp up tension in the opposition camp, even if the governor was elected under the UDA banner.
Gachagua’s silence has only deepened suspicion over his motives and political strategy. Even within his own backyard, leaders such as Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi have called on him to condemn the governor’s remarks.
“Leaders across Kenya are waiting for your statement, your leadership. Say something,” Wamumbi said, the MP wrote on his Facebook account.
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.
Ouster motion and opposition shaken?
Leaders have been calling for his ouster, with rumours having it that the Nyeri county Members of County Assembly (MCAs) have a plan afoot to hound Kahiga.
The question, however, will Gachagua speak in efforts to clear himself from the accusation from ODM and ultimately save his staunch ally?
Already, the United Opposition has distanced itself from Kahiga’s remarks, a move that is a blow to the Nyeri county boss since the opposition will not tolerate anything that will interfere or disadvantage their public relation as they strategise on unseating President William Ruto in 2027.
Kahiga’s comments, widely perceived as celebratory of Raila Odinga’s death, suggested that President William Ruto would now stop “diverting resources” to Nyanza, implying the development focus had been politically motivated by the need to secure Raila’s backing for 2027.
The remarks, which went viral online, drew immediate condemnation from ODM, Jubilee, and other opposition-leaning leaders.
ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga said the comments were “insensitive, divisive and a betrayal of the unity that Raila Odinga championed”.
She added that since Kahiga was “speaking for Gachagua”, ODM would not engage politically with any outfit associated with the former DP.
“Governor Kahiga’s words reflect the thinking of those he represents,” Wanga said in a statement.
“He spoke for Gachagua, then we must be clear: ODM will not associate with anyone or any political network linked to such divisive rhetoric.”
Jubilee Party secretary general Jeremiah Kioni, who is part of the United Opposition, echoed the sentiments.
“When a parrot insults a king, it is only repeating its master’s words,” Kioni said.
His statement implied that Kahiga was expressing Gachagua’s own views, an accusation that has fuelled growing mistrust between Mt Kenya politicians and opposition leaders who were aligned with Raila.
