CS Mutahi Kagwe Calls Out Governor Kahiga for “Cursed” Remarks on Raila Odinga’s Death

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has harshly criticized Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga over what he termed “unforgivable and culturally cursed remarks” about the late Raila Odinga, calling them an insult to both the dead and the living.

Speaking passionately during the 5th National Agribusiness Summit at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Kagwe said Kahiga’s outburst showed a shocking lack of respect and emotional intelligence at a time when the nation was in mourning.

“As a Nyeri son and a leader, I must speak truthfully –  we are mourning,” Kagwe declared. “When someone dies, our customs forbid negative talk. Anyone who defies that invites misfortune unless cleansed through cultural rites. Those words were his alone – not ours, not Nyeri’s.”

Kagwe described Kahiga’s comments as both morally wrong and politically reckless, warning leaders against using moments of grief for cheap political theatre.

“Power does not give you the right to wound a nation’s spirit,” he said. “Leadership demands empathy, not arrogance. Such divisive utterances drag us backward as a people.”

He further stressed that the governor’s sentiments did not reflect the heart or values of Nyeri residents, insisting that the community stood in solidarity with the Odinga family and the rest of the country.

“In our traditions, respect for the dead is sacred,” Kagwe said solemnly. “You don’t dance on the grave of a fallen leader – you bow your head.”

Kagwe’s strong words echoed the public outrage sweeping across Kenya, with citizens and politicians alike denouncing Kahiga’s remarks as disgraceful. The backlash forced the Council of Governors (CoG) to act swiftly, voting unanimously to remove Kahiga from his post as Vice-Chairperson.

Cornered by criticism, Governor Kahiga later issued an apology, saying, “I regret my remarks. They were personal and do not reflect the views of Nyeri people or the Council of Governors.”

But for many, Kagwe’s message was clear – some words can be forgiven, others must be cleansed.