Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga is facing growing calls to resign following his controversial remarks on the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, which have continued to spark outrage across the political divide.
A section of grassroots leaders from Nairobi have joined the mounting chorus of condemnation, describing the governor’s remarks as divisive, insensitive, and a threat to national cohesion.
Led by UDA nominated Member of County Assembly Cecilia Wairimu, the leaders faulted Kahiga for what they termed as “reckless utterances unbecoming of a national leader.” They dismissed his public apology and decision to step aside as the Council of Governors vice chairperson as inadequate, insisting that nothing short of resignation from his gubernatorial post would restore public confidence.
“An apology cannot erase the damage caused by such careless words. As a leader, he should know better. We cannot allow anyone, however senior, to undermine national unity and the very spirit of devolution,” said MCA Wairimu.
The leaders further argued that devolution was established to ensure equitable development across all counties, irrespective of political affiliations, and warned that Kahiga’s comments risked eroding the gains achieved since the system was introduced.
“Devolution was meant to unite and empower all regions. It was never about dividing Kenyans along tribal or political lines,” one of the leaders said during a press briefing in Nairobi.
Their remarks come in the wake of sustained public backlash following a statement by Governor Kahiga at a funeral in Nyeri earlier this week. In his address, the governor allegedly described Raila Odinga’s death as a “blessing” for the Mt. Kenya region, claiming the area had been sidelined since the formation of the broad-based government between President William Ruto and the former Prime Minister.
Kahiga is reported to have suggested that the political partnership between Ruto and Raila shifted focus and development priorities away from Central Kenya in favour of the Nyanza region.
The remarks have triggered widespread condemnation from leaders across the country, who accused the Nyeri governor of exploiting a moment of national mourning to stoke ethnic division and resentment.
In response to the uproar, Governor Kahiga issued an apology and announced that he would step aside from his role as the Council of Governors vice chairperson.
However, the statement has done little to quell public anger, with many Kenyans , including his own party supporters , calling for his resignation.
The controversy comes at a time when the country continues to mourn the death of Raila Odinga, a long-serving opposition leader and a key figure in Kenya’s democratic journey.
As the storm intensifies, all eyes are now on Nyeri Governor Kahiga as he faces increasing political and public pressure to step aside.
