The New Democrats (TND) Party Leader, Dr. Thuo Mathenge, has sharply condemned Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga over his controversial remarks regarding the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, branding them “insensitive and uncalled for.”
Speaking to the press on Thursday, Dr. Mathenge asserted that Governor Kahiga’s comments did not reflect the values or sentiments of the Mount Kenya region, adding that the community continues to mourn alongside the Luo community.
“Raila Odinga was not just a political figure; he was a national leader whose struggle and sacrifices helped shape the democracy we enjoy today,” Mathenge stated. “The people of Mount Kenya stand in solidarity with the Luo community during this difficult time. Governor Kahiga’s remarks do not speak for us.”
Dr. Mathenge further called on all political leaders to exercise restraint and respect during national mourning, emphasizing that political competition must never override the country’s shared humanity.
Governor Kahiga’s statements, made during a funeral in Nyeri on Tuesday, had sparked widespread public outrage.
He had appeared to celebrate Odinga’s death, claiming that the partnership between President William Ruto and the ODM leader had shifted development focus to the Nyanza region at the expense of Mount Kenya.
Following the backlash, Governor Kahiga issued a public apology and subsequently resigned from his position as Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG).
In his remorseful statement issued on Wednesday, Kahiga clarified, “I want to apologize to the family, the larger ODM, my colleagues, and those in the wider Nyanza region. My remarks were personal and do not represent the people of Nyeri or the Council of Governors.”