Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has paid a glowing tribute to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a day after facing public uproar over earlier remarks that appeared to celebrate the ODM leader’s death.
In his tribute published in local dailies on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, Kahiga described Raila as “an enigma” and a national figure who overcame immense hardship to shape Kenya’s political landscape.
“Now that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has gone to the land without thunder, I have paused to think about this enigma of a man. Born of a legend, he charted his own path to become a legend himself. From obscurity, he crafted his own story through tears, sweat, and blood,” Kahiga wrote.
Mutahi Kahiga celebrates Raila
He went on to highlight Raila’s suffering during the country’s political struggles, including long periods of detention and solitary confinement.
“He endured incarceration and detention for years and, from his own testimony, was kept incommunicado for six years. I often wondered how he didn’t lose the ability to speak, having been isolated for so long and forced to sleep on bare concrete without a mattress.”
At the same time, Governor Mutahi Kahiga recounted a moment when Raila Odinga played a behind-the-scenes role in the political survival of then-Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who was facing impeachment.
Also Read: Urgent Meeting Convened After Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s Remarks on Raila
According to Kahiga, the incident occurred on a Sunday, the day before Parliament was set to debate the motion.
Nyeri Governor Recalls His Conversation with Raila Regarding Gachagua’s Impeachment
He and a group of pro-Gachagua leaders had just left a church service at the Deputy President’s Karen residence when he decided to call Raila to seek his intervention.
“A thought crossed my mind, why not call the PM and seek his support, since he controlled the majority of Opposition MPs through ODM? The phone rang only once, and Raila picked up,” Kahiga said.
He then informed Gachagua that Raila was on the line, and the two leaders spoke; even their spouses joined the conversation.
“We were desperate,” Kahiga admitted. “Baba couldn’t commit to directing his MPs to vote in a particular way. Instead, he said he would urge them to vote with their conscience.”
Kahiga’s tribute comes in the wake of widespread backlash following comments he made at a burial ceremony in Kieni East, Nyeri County, on Tuesday, October 21.
Leaders call out Nyeri Governor
In a widely circulated video, the Governor appeared to suggest that Raila Odinga’s death was an act of divine intervention that altered political dynamics in the Mt. Kenya region.
“If you look closely, all things, national resources, were being sent to Western and Nyanza, because apparently, we (Agikuyu) were not in their plans. But God came and heard our cries, and He did His wonders!” he said in the clip.
His remarks triggered widespread condemnation, with many Kenyans, including political leaders across the divide, condemning the Governor’s statements as insensitive and inappropriate, especially during a time of national mourning.
Also Read: Babu Owino Pens Glowing Tribute to Raila Odinga Amid ODM Succession Fireworks
In response, Council of Governors Chair Ahmed Abdullahi convened an extraordinary council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, 2025, to discuss possible disciplinary action. Kahiga currently serves as Vice Chair of the Council.
“The Council of Governors registers its deep disappointment in the unfortunate utterances by Governor Mutahi Kahiga of Nyeri County,” the Council said in a statement.
“We wish to completely disassociate ourselves from his sentiments. These are personal remarks and do not reflect or represent the views of the Council, especially during this period of national mourning.”
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