Dancing on Raila's grave: Kahiga outburst triggers national storm

The comment captured in an amateur video that widely circulated on social media has elicited sharp condemnation from leaders across the political divide.

Some are now calling for his immediate resignation or impeachment.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki asked leaders to honour the name and legacy of the former Prime Minister. Speaking on Wednesday during a development visit to West Pokot, the DP said it is wrong to ridicule the former PM. “Let no one attempt to disrespect nor dishonour his name and his legacy. It is quite shameful for any leader to demean Raila’s legacy or celebrate his death,” he said.

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission intends to summon Kahiga to make a statement about his remarks. "Meanwhile, we call upon the governor to make an unreserved public apology to the people of Kenya for his utterances," chairman Samuel Kobia said.

Addressing mourners in Nyeri, the second-term governor was heard making statements perceived as mocking Raila’s death, sparking outrage from across the country.

The governor is heard saying that the death of Raila will now “free” government resources for the Mt Kenya region.

Speaking in vernacular, Kahiga said the government had diverted attention and resources to Nyanza because of President William Ruto’s working relationship with Raila in the months leading up to his death.

"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, because it seemed like they did away with us but God came and brought this thing," Kahiga said.

"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 eat 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."

Raila, who died of cardiac arrest on October 15 while receiving treatment in India, had entered into a working arrangement with Ruto after years of political rivalry.

The utterances triggered condemnation, with the governor bowing to pressure and stepping down as the Council of Governors vice chairman.

"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, 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," he added.

"What I meant is that under the broad-based government, we have skilled development and politically, the loss of Raila sends everyone back to the drawing board, as the popular goes, God takes the best, and it is in this context that I made those remarks in vernacular."

Even as he was offering an apology in his Nyeri residence, the CoG held a special council meeting where they officially removed him and distanced the council from his reckless utterances.

“In view of this meeting, the council has unanimously agreed to remove Kahiga Mutahi from the leadership of the council as vice chairperson with immediate effect. We have also agreed that we will hold another meeting where a new vice chairperson will be elected,” CoG chairman Ahmed Abdullahi said.

“We wish to reiterate our deep disappointment with the statement by the governor. We still maintain that the sentiments are his personal remarks that do not reflect or represent the views or values of CoG. We therefore dissociate in toto and condemn these utterances which were untimely, reckless and unspeakable, especially at this time of deep mourning.”

Mutahi’s comments also ignited outrage among Raila’s supporters and leaders of the Orange Democratic Movement.

Led by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, several ODM figures condemned the governor’s statement as insensitive and unbecoming of a public officer.

“We are still in mourning, yet we are forced to respond to this level of recklessness,” Wanga said.

“Raila Odinga put his life on the line for the freedoms Kenyans enjoy today. To mock him in death is shameful and uncalled for.”

 Wanga described Kahiga’s comments as “nefarious and despicable,” saying they insulted the memory of a man who fought for justice, equity, and devolution values that birthed the very system under which Kahiga serves as governor.

 She further reminded Kenyans that the position of governor was a creation of the 2010 constitution, a document whose foundation Raila helped lay.

“It is disturbing that a beneficiary of Raila’s struggle would choose to dishonour him this way,” she said. “The late Raila believed in a Kenya for all, a united, equal nation beyond tribe or region.”

 Nyando MP Jared Okelo accused Kahiga of acting as a political mouthpiece for DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua, suggesting that the controversial remarks were part of a wider pattern of provocation.

 “We are aware of meetings between Gachagua and Kahiga before those comments were made,” Okelo alleged.

 “This is not just about one man’s words; it reflects a calculated effort to divide Kenyans even as we mourn.”

 Okelo clarified that ODM’s differences were not with the Kikuyu community but with individuals using tribal politics for personal gain.

 “We marry them, work with them, and live with them,” he said. “But we draw the line when leaders like Gachagua and Kahiga insult the memory of our hero.”

  “Mocking a national icon is mocking Kenya itself.”

 Mathare MP Antony Oluoch said Kahiga’s words were not just an affront to ODM supporters but to the entire nation.

 “The 2010 constitution that created devolution, that gave Kahiga his seat, was fought for by Raila Odinga,” he said. “To mock him is to mock the constitution itself.”

Oluoch said the people of Nyanza should not feel ashamed of benefiting from government development, arguing that affirmative action is a constitutional principle meant to promote equity.

The leaders spoke in Kisumu.

ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna termed the comments the highest manifestation of hate against the late former Prime Minister.

“We know there are those who hated the late Raila Odinga, but it is still shocking to hear it. Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga is easily the vilest of the bunch, but Baba taught us to always respond with love. If he were still around the next thing you would see is him having lunch with Kahiga,” Sifuna said.

The United Opposition also voiced their disappointment with Kahiga’s remarks, describing the statement as hate speech.

Through opposition spokesperson Mukhisa Kituyi, they said Kahiga is a member of the ruling UDA party and not a member of the opposition as being speculated in some quarters.

Kituyi demanded that the CoG censures the governor for the unfortunate statements.

“Governor Kahiga should for his sake and that of his constituents and family, publicly expose these insidious and nefarious men and women who are seemingly hell bent on igniting a tribal war between our Luo and Kikuyu brothers,” he said in a statement.

Leaders from Kahiga’s Nyeri backyard also called out the governor for being insensitive at a time the country is still mourning the former Prime Minister.

 Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe distanced Nyeri residents from the controversial remarks, saying the statement was personal and culturally offensive, and did not represent the people of Nyeri.

Kagwe noted that culturally, it is taboo to speak ill of the dead, warning that such actions could attract curses unless cleansing rites are performed..

“As a Kenyan who happens to be a Mugikuyu, I can tell you that culturally it is repugnant to speak ill of people who have passed on. If you do so, there are certain rites that must be performed to avoid curses that may befall you,” Kagwe stated.

 EALA MP Kanini Kega while cautioning against blanket condemnation of Mt Kenya said Kahiga’s comments are personal and should not be used to vilify the entire community.

“Some of us lost our seats in the 2022 elections for standing with Baba. Kindly, as you vilify Governor Kahiga don't drag Mt Kenya community in this unfortunate matter,” Kanini stated.

“Let it be known that he spoke for himself, not for Nyeri, not for the mountain, and certainly not for Kenya. To celebrate death and drag a whole community into your hate is the lowest form of politics,” Jubilee secretary general Jeremiah Kioni said.

INSTANT ANALYSIS

Kahiga was caught on camera making comments perceived as celebrating Raila Odinga's death. His remarks have drawn widespread condemnation, even as he apologised to the Odinga family and the ODM party.