- Kenyans, including politicians, were thrown into mourning following the death of former prime minister Raila Odinga
- However, Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga appeared to be on a completely different page, seemingly celebrating Raila’s death
- A photo of him exchanging pleasantries with the late ODM leader, along with a video of him mourning before his controversial remarks, has since surfaced
Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya
Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga has been in the spotlight after making controversial remarks about the death of the former prime minister, Raila Odinga.
Source: Twitter
Following this, a video of Kahiga joining Kenyans in mourning Raila’s death has emerged.
Did Kahiga celebrate Raila’s death?
Speaking on Tuesday, October 21, at a burial ceremony, Kahiga seemingly claimed that Raila’s death was an answered prayer to the people of the Mt. Kenya region.
He argued that Raila’s agreement with Ruto, which led to the formation of a broad-based government, had stripped the Mt. Kenya region of its resources and development.
He claimed that his home region was neglected, with all development projects being directed to Nyanza and Western Kenya.
Kahiga implied that now that Raila was dead, Ruto would have to rethink his associations and bring the Mt. Kenya region back under the government.
Having not assessed the gravity of his statements, Kenyans, including politicians, called out Kahiga over his remarks.
Did Mutahi Kahiga mourn Raila?
Following this, Kenyans unearthed a video of Kahiga mourning the death of the former prime minister.
During a press briefing on October 15, Kahiga termed Raila as the doyen of opposition politics, who helped in fighting for the country’s democracy.
“I want to say that Kenya has lost a great statesman. A man who has lost his 80 years fighting for social justice and every kind of human rights. As the Council of Governors, we consider Baba the father of devolution. He spoke devolution, ate devolution and slept devolution,” Kahiga stated.
Kahiga stated that the only way the government could honour Raila is by fully implementing the 2010 Constitution on devolution.
“Baba dreamed that more money goes to the counties and that decision-making is done at that level. Unfortunately, he has left us, but we also celebrate his 80 years. We recognise the sacrifices he made for this country, for himself. He’s been jailed, his family has suffered; these are things we should never forget,” he added.
Did Mutahi Kahiga resign?
In response to the backlash over his controversial remarks, Kahiga decided to step down as the Council of Governors chairperson.
He further apologised to Kenyans and the family of the late prime minister, including Mama Ida, Winnie and Ruth Odinga, among others.
Source: Facebook
Mutahi further defended his remarks, stating that they were in no way celebratory as he people missed his biblical concept.
Kahiga’s resignation came hours after a section of politicians, including Homa Bay governor, Mutahi Kahiga, demanded that he step down from the position.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
