Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu has urged members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to stop associating Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s controversial remarks about the late Raila Odinga with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Governor Kahiga sparked public outrage on October 21 after making comments in Kikuyu during a burial ceremony in Nyeri that many interpreted as celebrating Raila’s death.
Speaking on a local TV station on Thursday, October 23, Senator Nyutu said it was unfair and misleading to connect Kahiga’s remarks to Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
“We must ask some members of ODM not to associate the remarks of a careless person with Rigathi Gachagua,” Nyutu said. “Just because they come from the same county does not mean they speak for each other.”
The senator added that Kahiga made the comments in his personal capacity and not on behalf of Gachagua or any political faction.
“It’s important to be clear — Governor Kahiga and Ngunjiri Wambugu no longer work with Gachagua. They are now aligned with the government,” he said.
His remarks came after ODM Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga accused Kahiga of acting as Gachagua’s mouthpiece in mocking Raila Odinga’s death.
During a press conference on Wednesday, October 22, Governor Wanga condemned Kahiga’s remarks as “reckless, shameful, and politically motivated.”
“We are still in deep mourning for our leader Raila Odinga, yet we are forced to address these despicable remarks,” Wanga said. “Kahiga does not speak for himself; he speaks for Rigathi Gachagua.”
She also called for Kahiga’s resignation as Vice-Chairperson of the Council of Governors, saying his behavior was not of a national leader.
“He can lead in his village, but he cannot lead at a national level,” Wanga added.
About the Author
