Mwala MP and UDA National Organising Secretary Vincent Kawaya at a past event/FILEMwala MP and UDA National Organising Secretary Vincent Kawaya has called on Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga to resign from his position following controversial remarks he made about the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
In a statement, Kawaya described Kahiga’s comments as “reckless and shameful,” accusing the Nyeri governor of undermining national unity and moral leadership.
“You have resigned as the vice chair of the Council of Governors, now relinquish your position as Nyeri governor,” Kawaya said in a strongly worded statement.
“If Governor Kahiga truly believes in integrity and leadership by example, he should step aside and allow Nyeri residents to be served by someone who understands the weight of the office.”
The Mwala MP reiterated the commitment of Ukambani leaders to national unity and development, distancing the region from what he termed as "the politics of hate and division.”
“Let Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka be warned of this character,” Kawaya said.
“As leaders from Ukambani, we will not fall into that trap. Our focus is on unity, peace, and partnership with the national government for the progress of our people. The politics of hate have no place in the new Kenya we are building,” Kawaya added.
Kawaya condemned Kahiga’s remarks as dangerous, warning that such utterances could incite ethnic tensions. He called on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to take swift action.
“Such statements are not only divisive and insensitive, but also dangerous to the peace and unity of our nation. The NCIC must urgently investigate Governor Kahiga’s utterances, which could easily ignite ethnic hatred,” he stated.
Kawaya also defended the late Raila, highlighting the late ODM leader’s role in shaping Kenya’s democracy.
“Let me remind Governor Kahiga and his team that the freedom of speech they enjoy today is a result of the democratic struggles championed by Raila Odinga — the very man they now mock in death,” Kawaya said.
He also criticised a recurring narrative from some leaders who argue that development should favor regions that supported President William Ruto in the last general election.
“This mindset — the shareholding narrative — is primitive, dangerous, and contrary to the oath of leadership. A president is elected to serve all Kenyans, not just those who voted for him,” said Kawaya.
Kahiga’s controversial remarks came during a funeral service in Nyeri, where he suggested that the emerging political cooperation between President Ruto and Raila Odinga had shifted government focus to the Nyanza region, sidelining Mt. Kenya.
Facing mounting backlash, Kahiga on Wednesday issued a public apology and resigned as vice chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG).
"I want to apologise to the family, the larger ODM fraternity, my colleagues, and the people of Nyanza. My remarks were personal and do not reflect the views of Nyeri residents or the Council of Governors," Kahiga said.
Council of Governors chair Ahmed Abdullahi also distanced the body from Kahiga’s sentiments, saying the remarks were “personal views that do not reflect the position of the Council.”
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who chairs the ODM party, condemned Kahiga’s comments as “primitive, insensitive, and insulting,” calling on leaders to exercise restraint and respect, especially in moments of national mourning.
