The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga to record a statement regarding his controversial remarks on the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.
Governor Kahiga sparked national outrage after suggesting that Odinga’s death was “God’s plan” to allow the Mt. Kenya region to benefit from government resources he claimed had been diverted elsewhere.
Kahiga alleged that the political arrangement between President William Ruto and the late Raila Odinga had shifted development priorities towards the Nyanza region, a statement that drew widespread condemnation from both the public and political leaders.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the NCIC said Kahiga’s remarks had undermined national unity and disrespected the memory of a leader who dedicated his life to Kenya’s democratic struggle.
“Such statements do not only dishonour the memory of a national hero but also have the potential to ignite ethnic tension and social discord at a time when the nation is in mourning,” the Commission said.
“This kind of rhetoric is not only retrogressive but dangerously undermines the progress we have made as a country in fostering peaceful and cohesive coexistence.”
The NCIC further commended the Council of Governors (CoG) for swiftly distancing itself from Kahiga’s comments and removing him from his position as Vice Chairperson.
“Indeed, this is a positive gesture to uphold desirable values of unity, inclusivity, and respect in governance. It reinforces the importance of responsible leadership and political accountability,” the Commission added.
The Commission appealed for calm and unity as the nation continues to mourn the late ODM leader, urging Kenyans to honour his legacy of fighting for democracy, justice, and inclusivity.
The NCIC summons come just hours after the Council of Governors unanimously voted to oust Kahiga from his leadership position minutes after he announced his resignation.
Governor Kahiga has since apologised to Raila Odinga’s family, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), and leaders from the Nyanza region for his remarks.
“I want to apologise to the family, the larger ODM fraternity, my colleagues, and the people of Nyanza. My remarks were personal and do not reflect the views of the people of Nyeri or the Council of Governors,” he said.
His comments have drawn sharp criticism from across the political divide, with ODM, former Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, and several Nyeri County leaders describing the remarks as insensitive and unprofessional.
