The United Opposition has dismissed Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s apology over his controversial remarks about the late ODM leader Raila Odinga, accusing him of making statements that amount to hate speech.
In a joint statement released on Wednesday, October 22, the opposition coalition comprising the Wiper Democratic Movement under Kalonzo Musyoka, People’s Liberation Party under Martha Karua, Democratic Congress Party under Rigathi Gachagua, and DAP-K under Eugene Wamalwa, among others, said Kahiga’s sentiments were unacceptable and should be condemned.
“Our attention has been drawn to what quite frankly is the very definition of Hate Speech as is clearly defined and outlined in our Constitution, 2010, Article 33 to be precise. Nyeri Governor Mutai Kahiga’s sentiments broadcast across all media yesterday, October 21, 2025, are HIS,” the statement read.
The opposition coalition clarified that Governor Kahiga was elected on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party ticket and is not affiliated with the United Opposition or any party under their umbrella.
“Governor Kahiga’s despicable sentiments should, in One Accord be wholly condemned by all Kenyans starting with his UDA Party Leader, that is President William Ruto, his Chairman, that is Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire and his Secretary General, that is Senator Hassan Omar. Indeed, UDA should have by now, issued a censor and public apology statement,” the opposition stated.
The coalition also called on the Council of Governors to act swiftly and censure the Nyeri Governor for what they described as ‘clearly stage managed comments that are clearly designed to ignite an ethnic war.’
The opposition said Kahiga’s hurriedly issued apology, which included his resignation as Vice Chairman of the Council of Governors, was insufficient.
“It is in our view not enough for Governor Kahiga to issue what was his hurriedly scripted apology that included his resignation as Vice Chairman of the Council of Governors (CoG). The COG should in public interest, first act swiftly and censor the Nyeri Governor for his clearly stage managed comments that are clearly designed to ignite an ethnic war,” they added.
The United Opposition issued three specific demands to Governor Kahiga.
First, they called on him to explain why his ‘nefarious paymasters’ chose him to make such inflammatory remarks at this particular time, describing his statement as ‘absolutely shocker’ that goes against public good and human understanding.
“Second, Governor Kahiga should inform Kenyans, why his nefarious paymasters chose him – at such a time as this – to be their mouthpiece, and issue in his vernacular tongue, an absolutely shocker of a statement, that is contrary to any ideals of public good and against all human understanding,” the statement read.
The controversy erupted after Governor Kahiga made remarks during a funeral in Nyeri County on Tuesday, October 21, suggesting that Raila’s death was a blessing in disguise for the Mt. Kenya region.
Speaking in the Kikuyu dialect, Kahiga claimed that Raila’s agreement with the current government had sidelined Mt. Kenya from accessing government resources and implied that divine intervention had changed the political landscape.
The remarks sparked widespread condemnation on social media, with leaders and citizens calling out the governor.
On Wednesday, October 22, Kahiga issued an apology to Raila’s family, the ODM fraternity, the Luo community, and all Kenyans, stating that his remarks were not celebratory and had been misunderstood.
“My remarks were in no way celebratory. What I meant is that under the current broad-based government, we have seen skewed development and, politically, the loss of the Rt. Hon Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga sends everyone back to the drawing board,” he explained.
He also stepped down from his position as Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors, saying he was taking responsibility for both the real and perceived meaning of his remarks.
