The United Opposition of Kenya has strongly condemned remarks made by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, describing them as hate speech and a threat to national unity.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the coalition said Kahiga’s comments, made on October 21, 2025, were designed to incite ethnic tensions.
“Our attention has been drawn to what quite frankly is the very definition of hate speech as outlined in Article 33 of the Constitution,” the statement read.
The opposition clarified that Governor Kahiga is not affiliated with any party under its umbrella but was elected on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.
“Governor Kahiga’s despicable sentiments should, in one accord, be wholly condemned by all Kenyans, starting with his UDA Party Leader, President William Ruto,” the statement said.
The coalition urged UDA officials, including Party Chairperson Cecily Mbarire and Secretary-General Hassan Omar, to issue a public apology and take disciplinary action against the Nyeri Governor.
It also called on the Council of Governors (CoG) to censure Kahiga over what it termed as making stage-managed comments designed to ignite an ethnic war.
The statement dismissed Kahiga’s apology and resignation as CoG vice-chairperson as inadequate.
“It is not enough for Governor Kahiga to issue a hurriedly scripted apology,” the group said, adding that he should reveal those behind the alleged scheme to stoke divisions.
“Governor Kahiga should inform Kenyans why his paymasters chose him, at such a time as this, to be their mouthpiece,” it added.
The United Opposition demanded that Kahiga “publicly expose those hell-bent on igniting a tribal war between our Luo and Kikuyu brothers,” calling such acts treasonous.
Speaking in vernacular at a funeral in Nyeri, Kahiga had claimed that the government had diverted attention and resources to Nyanza because of President William Ruto’s working relationship with Raila Odinga in the months leading up to his death.
“The plan that had been hatched, if you look keenly—for those who do not travel because I was in that region—all goodies were being directed there because of tomorrow’s plans. It seemed like they did away with us, but God came and brought this thing,” Kahiga said.
His remarks sparked an uproar among leaders and citizens, with many condemning them as insensitive and divisive.
Kahiga later announced that he had stepped down as the Council of Governors’ vice-chairperson and issued an apology to the Odinga family and the nation.
“I want to sincerely apologise to our mourning nation, to the family of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Mama Ida, her children Rosemary, Junior, and Winnie, Senator Oburu Oginga, Ruth Odinga, and the larger ODM fraternity,” he said.
Kahiga’s resignation came shortly before a scheduled CoG meeting to deliberate on the matter. The Council later announced that he had been ousted and that a new vice-chairperson would be elected in the coming days.
