NAIROBI, Kenya — Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has issued a scathing condemnation of Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, accusing him of “tribal chauvinism” and “heartless insensitivity” over his controversial remarks about the death of Kenya’s former Prime Minister, the late Raila Amolo Odinga, C.G.H.
In a strongly worded statement titled “Shame on You, Kahiga”, Wanga expressed outrage at the Nyeri Governor’s comments, which appeared to celebrate Odinga’s passing as a “prayer answered.”
She described the utterances as “primitive, insulting, and deeply offensive,” saying they expose “the lowest depths of tribal hate” and threaten national cohesion.
“For three consecutive days before his sudden death, Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga expressed shock at the capacity of human beings to be evil and heartless, and the new low our politics had hit,” Wanga recalled, referencing Odinga’s dismay over online rumors and fabricated reports of his death.
“Today, Governor Mutahi Kahiga came out with a very rare admission — that for him and his supporters, Raila’s death was their prayer answered,” she said.
The Homa Bay Governor, who also chairs the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and has been a close ally of the late Odinga, said Kahiga’s remarks dishonor not only Odinga’s memory but also the unity and moral integrity of the nation.
“As Kahiga’s colleague, I am ashamed of his words. I am offended as Chairperson of ODM and as a believer in Raila Odinga and what he bequeathed our country. I take serious offense at Kahiga’s outbursts,” she declared.
Wanga accused Kahiga of perpetuating “ethnic profiling, fear-mongering, and divisive rhetoric” that have no place in Kenya’s democracy. She called on all national leaders, regardless of political affiliation, to denounce the “depth of tribal hate” reflected in his remarks.
“We must all stand up and condemn Kahiga for being more consumed with himself and his tribe than with the nation’s well-being. Chauvinism like Kahiga’s has set many nations aflame. It could do so in Kenya too,” she warned.
In her statement, Wanga demanded that Kahiga resign from his position as Vice-Chairman of the Council of Governors, saying his conduct is incompatible with the responsibilities of national leadership. “Kahiga’s sentiments are way off our values and aspirations as a nation. He must immediately resign,” she insisted.
The rebuke adds to a growing national backlash from political leaders and institutions condemning Kahiga’s controversial remarks. From ODM’s Deputy Party Leader Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir to Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui and Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, a cross-section of leaders has denounced the comments as divisive and unbecoming during a period of national mourning.
As the seven-day mourning period declared by President William Ruto draws to a close, Wanga’s remarks underscore a wider consensus — that Kenya must rise above politics of hatred and defend the legacy of Raila Odinga as a symbol of unity, resilience, and democracy.
