MP Mukunji Condemns Nyeri Governor Kahiga’s ‘Shameful’ Remarks on Raila Odinga’s Death

Manyatta Member of Parliament Gitonga Mukunji has strongly criticised Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga over his controversial remarks on the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, calling them “shameful, insensitive and deeply disrespectful.”

Speaking on Wednesday, Mukunji said the governor’s comments – which suggested that Raila’s passing was a divine plan to politically redeem the Mt. Kenya region. They were unacceptable and dishonoured a national hero whose life was dedicated to unity and justice.

Governor Kahiga sparked outrage after a video of him speaking at a burial in Nyeri went viral. In the clip, he claimed that Odinga’s death was part of “God’s plan” to help Mt. Kenya regain access to state resources that had allegedly been diverted elsewhere.

“You can see what had been planned  but God brought something up. Now it’s total confusion,” Kahiga said in Kikuyu dialect, implying that the political alliance between President William Ruto and the late Raila Odinga had shifted government benefits away from the region.

Mukunji condemned the statement as reckless and divisive, warning that such rhetoric risks fueling ethnic tensions at a time when the country is mourning. “Leaders must act with sensitivity and wisdom. This is a time for unity, not reckless talk that divides Kenyans,” he said.

The Manyatta MP emphasized that Raila Odinga’s political legacy should be remembered with dignity, noting that the former Prime Minister’s lifelong pursuit of democracy, justice and equality had earned him respect across the political divide.

He added that the governor’s sentiments should not be used to taint or generalise the people of Nyeri, nor should they be linked to other leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

“Let us honour Raila by championing peace, justice and unity – values he fought for all his life,” Mukunji stated.

Following widespread public backlash, Governor Kahiga apologised and stepped down from his position as Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors, expressing regret for his comments.