Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is under growing pressure to respond after Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga sparked nationwide outrage with remarks appearing to celebrate the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Kahiga is a close associate of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua.
In a viral video clip from a public function, Governor Kahiga is heard saying it was “good that Raila is dead” because President William Ruto had been “wasting too much time focusing development efforts in Luo Nyanza.”
The remarks have triggered anger across the political divide, with many Kenyans describing them as “insensitive, shameful, and un-African.”
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru was among the first to distance Mt. Kenya leadership from Kahiga’s sentiments, saying his comments do not reflect the region’s values or its respect for the late Odinga.
“The remarks made today by my colleague, Nyeri Governor Kahiga, are not just unfortunate — they are callous and irresponsible. They do not reflect the views of the leadership or the people of Mt. Kenya,” Waiguru said in a strongly worded statement,’She said.
