- Former prime minister Raila Odinga’s cause of death was disclosed to the public, sparking nationwide mourning
- MP Ruth Odinga expressed disappointment over Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s remarks on a Facebook post
- A section of Kenyans sympathised with the Raila family, while some indirectly rebuked the governor
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
The family of the late former prime minister Raila Odinga has responded to remarks made by Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga following Raila’s sudden death.
Source: Getty Images
Raila died of cardiac arrest while receiving treatment in India. He had collapsed during his morning walk and was pronounced dead in the ICU moments later after efforts to resuscitate him failed.
What did Kahiga say about Raila’s death?
However, Kahiga, while speaking at a funeral in Kieni, Nyeri, described Raila’s death as divine intervention.
He suggested that Raila had hindered development in the Mt. Kenya region following his handshake with President William Ruto. Kahiga’s remarks were met with applause from attendees at the funeral.
The comments sparked nationwide outrage. Many Kenyans recalled Raila’s pivotal role in championing the 2010 Constitution and devolution, which led to the creation of county governments.
He was widely recognised as a statesman who prioritised peace and equitable development, often choosing dialogue and reconciliation after contested elections.
How did Raila’s family respond to Kahiga’s remarks?
Raila’s younger sister, Ruth Odinga, who also serves as the Kisumu woman representative,expressed her disappointment with Kahiga’s remarks.
In a social media post, she wrote, “A whole governor, shame on you.”
A section of Kenyans flooded the comments in support of Ruth, sympathising with her and condemning Kahiga’s statements.
Others responded to the governor with parables and indirect rebukes, reflecting the depth of public disapproval.
How did Kenyans respond to Kahiga’s remarks?
Kendi Kiecha Rose
“Usijali an ambulance siren sounds noisy until when it’s coming to your compound.”
Clifford Otieno
“Unfit to hold any public office. He has forced me to vote for President William Ruto in 2027.”
Nyargi Kevoh
“I’m bleeding for baba.”
Felix Charles Bundotich
“If they can laugh this early… your guess is as well as mine, Tutam.”
Prince Daniel
“Nyakamami let’s still celebrate Baba as per our luo tradition.”
Nacht Creatives KE ·
“When Baboons and monkeys heard that the farmer who used to chase them from the maize field had died, they celebrated with joy. But the next year, there was no maize at all. That’s when they painfully realized that the farmer they thought was their enemy was actually the one who grew their food.
Source: Facebook
What happened after Kahiga’s remarks went viral?
Did Kenyans welcome Kahiga’s resignation?
Meanwhile, a section of Kenyans has welcomed Kahiga’s apology and resignation after he clarified his remarks.
The governor justified his comments and blamed Kenyans for missing the biblical meaning of the viral clip.
Despite the explanation, some Kenyans suggested he be ‘greeted’ for causing tension during the national mourning period.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
