Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s recent comments have once again placed Nyeri County at the heart of a political storm. His remarks during a burial in Nyeri on October 21, 2025, have drawn sharp criticism from leaders across the country, including Hon Ndungu Gethenji, a respected political figure from the same county.
Ndung’u is a prominent politician hailing from the Mt. Kenya region also served as an MP for Tetu, where he has been a vocal advocate for progressive policies and anti-corruption measures through his writings and analyses in outlets like The Standard and other platforms.
Photo Courtesy/Instagram
He played an instrumental role in Raila Odinga’s (affectionately known as Baba) campaigns in Mt. Kenya by countering entrenched narratives that portrayed Odinga as a threat to the Gema communities, particularly Kikuyu elites, through articles and public discourse, Ndung’u highlighted Odinga’s commitment to devolution, land reforms, equitable resource distribution, and fighting corruption, which helped demystify Odinga for ordinary voters in areas like Murang’a and Meru, fostering goodwill and mobilizing support in a historically hostile region during election cycles such as 2017 and 2022, ultimately aiding Odinga’s efforts to “climb the mountain” by addressing local concerns and promoting inclusivity.
Kahiga reportedly suggested that the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was a blessing for the Mt. Kenya region, arguing that government attention and resources had been unfairly concentrated in Nyanza.
Photo Courtesy/Instagram
The statement, made barely days after Odinga’s passing, was widely condemned as insensitive and divisive. Many Kenyans felt that Kahiga’s words lacked respect for a man who had spent decades shaping Kenya’s political landscape.
Ndungu Gethenji’s reaction was swift and strongly worded. Taking to Instagram, he accused Kahiga of promoting hatred and disunity between communities that have worked hard to overcome ethnic divisions. He described Kahiga’s words as “base, retrogressive, and loose talk,” saying they were meant to reopen old wounds between Mt. Kenya and Nyanza.
Nyeri County Governor Mutahi Kahiga. Photo credit/Nation Africa.
Githenji reminded his followers of Kahiga’s earlier political stance during the 2022 elections when he publicly campaigned against Raila Odinga and the Azimio la Umoja coalition. He noted that despite such opposition, Odinga managed to win over a million votes from the Mt. Kenya region, a clear indication that the people had begun moving beyond tribal politics.
In his post, Gethenji praised Raila Odinga as “the best President Kenya never had,” emphasizing that Kenya’s unity was far more important than regional pride or political competition. He urged Kahiga to step down from his position as Governor of Nyeri County, calling resignation the only honorable path left for him. His message, which ended with the phrase “The King is dead. Long live the King!” carried both grief and a call for renewal.
Photo Courtesy/Instagram
The public response mirrored Githenji’s sentiments. Many leaders, including county officials and members of Parliament, condemned Kahiga’s remarks, saying they were not only disrespectful to the Odinga family but also dangerous in a country still healing from past ethnic divisions. The backlash led to Kahiga’s removal as vice chair of the Council of Governors, a move seen by many as a warning against reckless political speech. He later issued an apology and resigned from the position, expressing regret for the distress caused by his words.
The incident has once again highlighted how fragile Kenya’s national unity remains. Regional politics continue to influence public sentiment, and leaders’ words often carry heavy consequences.
