Odinga Family Extends Forgiveness to Governor Kahiga Over Controversial Remarks on Raila’s Death
He also apologized to Mama Ida Odinga, their children, the Odinga family, and Kenyans at large for the pain his words had caused.
His comments were met with outrage from the entire nation, as leaders across the political divide condemned the utterances as disrespecting and divisive.Photo/courtesy.
By Ruth Sang
The family of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has publicly forgiven Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga for his controversial remarks appearing to celebrate his passing. Speaking during an interview on NTV on Saturday, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, the elder brother of Raila and the patriarch of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga family, confirmed that the governor is free to join them in mourning, provided he expresses genuine remorse.
Oburu said the family has no grudge, adding that forgiveness is among the core values upheld by the Odinga family. “No one is barred from coming to Kang’o ka Jaramogi to mourn, including Kahiga, if he is remorseful,” he said, adding that in politics, there are no permanent enemies.
He added that the family believes in peace and unity, not vengeance. “Those words don’t anger me; I forgive them. Holding onto grudges only harms you. If you keep hate in your heart, it might stop beating before God’s time,” Oburu said.
Odinga died on October 15, 2025, aged 80, while undergoing treatment in India. After his death, Governor Kahiga addressed mourners during a funeral in Kieni Constituency, and he referred to Raila’s death as “a godsend to the Mt Kenya people,” implying a relocation of government resources away from the Luo Nyanza region.
His comments were met with outrage from the entire nation, as leaders across the political divide condemned the utterances as disrespecting and divisive. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga was perhaps one of the most prominent leaders who criticized Kahiga’s words as “disgraceful” and “insensitive.” She declared that Kahiga was not welcome in Bondo, though her statement also attracted some negative feedback, being exclusionary. “For a leader like Governor Kahiga, who benefited from Raila’s struggle for democracy, to make such offensive remarks is shameful,” Wanga said.
On October 22, Kahiga apologized publicly and resigned as vice chair of the Council of Governors. He said his remark was misconstrued; he did not mean to rejoice at the former Prime Minister’s death: “My remarks were never meant to be celebratory. I only wanted to highlight the disparities in national development. Politically, Raila’s passing compels us to reflect on the direction of the country,” Kahiga explained.
He also apologized to Mama Ida Odinga, their children, the Odinga family, and Kenyans at large for the pain his words had caused.
In reaction to the reconciliation gesture, Kikuyu Council of Elders chairman Wachira Kiago praised the forgiving spirit of Senator Oburu as a sign of wisdom and maturity. He cited it as one way of healing the political tension between the Mt Kenya region and the Odinga family. Kiago further urged Governor Kahiga to join a delegation led by Kalonzo Musyoka traveling to Bondo on Thursday for his final respects to the late statesman. The Odinga family described this as a major step toward unity and national healing after an election that was marked by political and emotional tension.
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