ODM leader Oburu Oginga during a recent interview/HANDOUT
The family of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has formally
pardoned Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga following his contentious remarks that
appeared to celebrate his passing.
Speaking on NTV on Saturday, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, Raila’s elder brother and head
of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga family, confirmed the governor is welcome to
mourn with them, provided he expresses genuine remorse.
Oburu emphasised that the family harbors no resentment and remains open to
reconciliation.
“No one is barred from coming to Kang’o ka Jaramogi to mourn, including Kahiga,
if he is remorseful,” he stated.
“In politics there is no permanent enmity."
He added that the family’s ethos is rooted in unity and forgiveness, noting
that political adversaries should not become permanent enemies.
“Those comments do not annoy me… I excuse them… If you hold a grudge, your
heart can stop earlier than God’s plan,” he added.
Raila died on October 15, 2025, at the age of 80 while undergoing treatment
in India.
Shortly after, Governor Kahiga was quoted describing the death as “a godsend
to Mt Kenya people,” suggesting it might prompt a reevaluation of government
resource allocation away from Luo Nyanza region.
His comments, made during a burial in Kieni Constituency, sparked widespread
condemnation across the country.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga responded by declaring Kahiga unwelcome in
Bondo, a move that itself drew criticism for being exclusionary.
“For someone of Governor Kahiga’s calibre who is a beneficiary of Raila’s
sweat, scars and tears to make such derogatory remarks of a man who spent most
of his life fighting for change in the country is disgraceful and shameful,”
Wanga said.
On October 22, Kahiga issued a public apology and resigned from his role as
vice chair of the Council of Governors.
He clarified that his remarks were not intended to celebrate Raila’s death
but to highlight perceived imbalances in national development.
“My remarks were in no way celebratory. What I meant is that under the
current broad-based government, we have seen skewed development, and
politically, the loss of the former Prime Minister sends everyone back to the
drawing board,” he said.
He expressed regret to Mama Ida, their children, the extended family and the broader Kenyan public.
Commenting on the gesture, Kikuyu Council of Elders chairperson Wachira Kiago praised Oburu’s gesture as a demonstration of wisdom and a step toward healing strained relations between Mt Kenya and the Odinga family.
He encouraged Kahiga to join a delegation to Bondo led by Kalonzo Musyoka, scheduled for Thursday, to pay respects to the late statesman.
