The United Opposition has distanced itself from Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga after his controversial comments on Raila Odinga’s death. In a hard-hitting statement, the coalition condemned Kahiga’s utterances and accused the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) of tolerating tribal rhetoric.
The Opposition said Kahiga’s remarks were not only insensitive but also exposed growing intolerance within President William Ruto’s party. They further called on UDA’s top leadership to publicly denounce the governor and take disciplinary action against him.
Gachagua Team Demands UDA Action Over Mutahi Kahiga’s Remarks on Raila’s Death
In a statement signed by Spokesperson Mukhisa Kituyi, the United Opposition made it clear that Kahiga does not belong to their coalition.
“For the record, Governor Kahiga was elected on the United Democratic Alliance Party ticket. He is not a member of the United Opposition or any party under our umbrella,” read the statement.
The coalition accused UDA of failing to rein in leaders who propagate division and hate speech. It warned that UDA’s silence only emboldens rogue members who exploit sensitive political moments for tribal gain.
Kahiga came under fire on Tuesday during a funeral when he claimed that Raila’s death was a blessing in disguise for the Mt Kenya region. He also alleged that the handshake between the late Raila Odinga and President William Ruto had diverted national resources to Nyanza.
His remarks went viral, prompting a nationwide backlash. The Nyeri Governor later apologized and resigned from his position as Vice Chair of the Council of Governors (CoG). However, the Opposition insisted that his apology was insincere and an attempt to contain public outrage.
United Opposition Urges UDA to Condemn Mutahi Kahiga
The United Opposition now wants President William Ruto, UDA Chairperson Cecily Mbarire, and Secretary General Hassan Omar to issue a joint public condemnation of the governor.
“Governor Kahiga’s despicable sentiments should, in One Accord, be wholly condemned by all Kenyans, starting with his UDA Party Leader, President William Samoei Ruto, his Chairman, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, and his Secretary General, Senator Hassan Omar,” the statement read.
The coalition added that UDA’s failure to act promptly has only deepened divisions and undermined efforts to foster national unity. “Indeed, UDA should have by now issued a censure and public apology statement,” it said.
According to the Opposition, leadership silence in moments of crisis signals approval of wrongdoing. They accused the ruling party of turning a blind eye to hate-driven politics while projecting itself as a champion of unity.
The coalition also urged the Council of Governors to take disciplinary action against Kahiga, saying his resignation from the CoG vice-chair position was not enough. They said his comments violated the integrity expected of a public leader and demanded a formal censure.
Opposition Claims Mutahi Kahiga Was Used to Push Tribal Agenda
The Opposition went further, suggesting that Kahiga’s comments were part of a larger tribal agenda being pushed by unnamed political figures.
“Governor Kahiga should inform Kenyans why his nefarious paymasters chose him at such a time to be their mouthpiece,” the statement read. “He issued, in his vernacular tongue, a shocker of a statement that goes against the public good and basic human understanding.”
The coalition warned that such remarks risk reigniting regional tensions at a time when the country should be mourning and reflecting on Raila Odinga’s legacy. They urged leaders across the political divide to reject divisive politics and promote peace.
ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga also weighed in, saying the party would not associate with leaders close to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
“What I know is that Kahiga does not speak for himself. Kahiga is the spokesperson of Rigathi Gachagua,” she said.
Her statement implied that Kahiga’s comments reflected a wider political narrative within UDA’s Mt Kenya bloc. Wanga accused Gachagua’s allies of exploiting Raila’s death to stoke ethnic division and shift political attention away from governance failures.
As public outrage grows, pressure is mounting on UDA’s leadership to discipline the Nyeri Governor. Political analysts say how the party handles the matter could shape its image ahead of the next general election.
For now, Kahiga’s future in UDA and national politics remains uncertain. While he has apologized, many Kenyans believe words alone cannot undo the damage caused by his remarks. The United Opposition insists that accountability, not apology, should define leadership conduct in moments of national grief.
