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 Deputy President.
“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.
Gachagua’s deputy in DCP, however, said
Gachagua shouldn’t be accused as he had not uttered a word, and had indeed
mourned Raila.
Kahiga, who apologised, had also said his
remarks were personal and did not have any political affiliation.
However, 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, urging Gachagua to
disown Kahiga’s remarks publicly.
Political observers say the Deputy
President’s silence may be deliberate — a calculated move to avoid alienating
his Mt Kenya base while the national mood remains sensitive after Raila’s
death.
However, this strategy could backfire,
portraying him as a leader unwilling to rise above regional politics or show
statesmanship at a moment of national mourning.
“The silence may be tactical, but in
politics, perception is everything. It risks painting Gachagua as intolerant
and tone-deaf to the emotions of millions who revered Raila,” political
commentator Dennis Mwangi said.
Within the broader United Opposition bloc,
which brings together ODM, Jubilee, DAP-K and allied parties, the incident is
being viewed as a warning sign.
Kahiga’s remarks and Gachagua’s
non-response now threaten the fragile unity in the outfit.
“There was already fragile trust between
ODM and certain Mt Kenya leaders allied to Gachagua, who accuse the party of
being used by the President to impeach him,” Mwangi said.
“This kind of rhetoric shatters what little
goodwill existed.”
Analysts also say Gachagua’s silence could
strain the delicate balance Ruto has been cultivating between his loyalists in
Mt Kenya and the opposition-leaning leaders he had brought into government
under the broad-based framework.
Kahiga’s remarks, and Gachagua’s refusal to
distance himself from them, have reignited questions about his long-term
political intentions.
Top of which is: Should the former DP
double down on Mt Kenya regionalism, which he has been accused of, or forge a
national figure in the coalition making, given he has declared his interest in
the presidency?
