• In his apology to Raila’s family, Kahiga claimed his remarks were misinterpreted. “I meant that under the current broad-based government, we’ve seen skewed development. Politically, the loss of Raila sends everyone to the drawing board.”

Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu has drawn a clear line between Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, asserting that any statements made by Kahiga or Nyeri Town Member of Parliament Ngunjiri Wambugu should not be linked to Gachagua. “Governor Kahiga doesn’t support Gachagua anymore. He used to, but now he doesn’t,” Nyutu stated emphatically.

Nyutu accused Kahiga of acting on behalf of undisclosed interests, saying, “It seems they are doing someone’s bidding, and he should carry his own cross.” Governor Kahiga has faced national backlash after making remarks that appeared to celebrate Raila Odinga’s death, prompting his resignation as Vice Chairperson from the Council of Governors.

The political scrutiny comes following comments he made at a funeral in Kieni, Nyeri, shortly after the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. In a speech that quickly went viral, Kahiga referred to Raila’s passing as a “divine intervention” and suggested it would allow the government to refocus development efforts on the Mt. Kenya region

In his apology to Raila’s family, Kahiga claimed his remarks were misinterpreted. “I meant that under the current broad-based government, we’ve seen skewed development. Politically, the loss of Raila sends everyone to the drawing board.”

This isn’t Kahiga’s first brush with controversy. On February 11, 2025, he made derogatory remarks about the Maasai community, referencing their ties to Mt Kenya and Ruto after Gachagua’s ouster. Days later, he issued an apology.

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ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati condemned Kahiga’s latest comments as “heinous,” calling them a cruel insult to Raila’s memory and a wound to the grieving family, party, and nation.

ODM’s Chairperson Gladys Wanga recalled Raila’s own dismay in his final days at the depths politics had reached, especially after social media falsely reported his death and circulated images of his “body” at Lee Funeral Home. Raila believed someone orchestrated the smear campaign.

October 23, 2025 marks the official end of national mourning for Raila Odinga, as declared by President William Ruto. Raila’s influence remains unmatched. “The only politician who had a following was Raila Odinga. Anything Raila said was followed,” Nyutu observed.

With Raila’s exit, Nyutu believes President Ruto will now evaluate leaders based on their strategic value. “That’s why Governor Wanga is working hard to position herself as the one who can command Baba’s support,” he added.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir echoed ODM’s commitment to Raila’s legacy. “The stance for ODM is to continue the policies that Baba believed in,” he said. With numerous by-elections ahead, Nassir emphasized ODM’s partnership with UDA on a ten-point agenda. "No political party aims to remain in opposition; the ultimate goal is to take leadership."

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