NCIC Summons Governor Kahiga Over Controversial Remarks on Raila Odinga’s Death
The Commission also commended the Council of Governors (CoG) for acting swiftly by disowning Kahiga’s words and ejecting him from office as Vice Chair.
The Commission emphasized the importance of conserving Odinga's memory, referring to him as a champion of democracy, justice, and national harmony. Photo/ courtesy
By Ruth Sang
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga to make a formal statement regarding his inflammatory remarks on the untimely demise of late Raila Odinga. Most Kenyans have overwhelmingly condemned the comments as insensitive and inflammatory, triggering public outcry and political temperatures across the nation.
Governor Kahiga’s utterance that Raila Odinga‘s death was “part of God’s plan” to reclaim the Mt. Kenya region’s share of State resources diverted allegedly to other regions in the country ignited a national outcry. The Governor hinted that President William Ruto’s political tie to the late Odinga had led to a redirection of development agendas towards the Nyanza region.
In a statement released on Wednesday, NCIC expressed serious concern with the governor’s words, describing it as not only disrespectful but also as apt to be damaging to national cohesion. The Commission noted that such words have the potential to reverse years of progress made in constructing peace and harmony among Kenya’s multi-cultural population.
“These kinds of statements not only sully the memory of a national hero but also have the potential to ignite ethnic conflict and social unrest, particularly in a time of bereavement,” the NCIC said. “Such language is retrograde and undermines the overall progress we have achieved as a nation to promote harmony and peaceful coexistence.”
The Commission also commended the Council of Governors (CoG) for acting swiftly by disowning Kahiga’s words and ejecting him from office as Vice Chair. The NCIC described the action as a responsible leadership action demonstrating commitment to integrity, inclusiveness, and respect in governance.
“This is a fine demonstration of leadership, upholding the values of responsibility and unity and sending a firm message that divisive politics has no place in the governance of today,” the statement further said.
As the country continues to mourn Raila Odinga, the NCIC has urged Kenyans to remain calm, united, and respectful. The Commission emphasized the importance of conserving Odinga’s memory, referring to him as a champion of democracy, justice, and national harmony.
The backlash against Governor Kahiga has been intense, with politicians from various regions—Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, Nyeri County leaders, and members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)—speaking out against his remarks in strong words.
Following the bashing, Kahiga issued a public apology to Raila Odinga’s family, ODM party, and Nyanza people. “I personally apologise to the family, ODM, my fellow legislators, and the people of Nyanza. My utterances were personal and do not represent the position of the people of Nyeri and the Council of Governors,” he added.
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