Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, the former Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG), continues to face public backlash after a viral video surfaced in which he claimed that the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga was “God’s plan” to pave the way for the Agikuyu community to benefit from government development projects. Kahiga further accused the late Odinga of allegedly blocking development meant for the Kikuyu community.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Coordinator for Kisumu and Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) Director Luke Ouko Obongo, popularly known as Kirindo, condemned Kahiga’s remarks as deeply disrespectful to the Luo community and to the late statesman.
“The Nyeri Governor has shown us his true character. In Luo culture, you don’t attack the dead even if he was your enemy,” Kirindo said. “Clapping and dancing on your enemy’s grave is uncalled for and unacceptable. Even if he apologizes, we are not ready to receive that apology because it doesn’t come from his heart but from public pressure.”
Kirindo urged the Luo community to remain steadfast within the broad-based government, noting that Raila Odinga had ensured the community was well represented before his passing. He advised against retreating into the opposition, saying this was not the time for political division.
“It is too early to engage in politics as we are still mourning our hero, Raila Odinga. According to Luo culture, mourning should take, at least 30 days. Raila left us in government, and that’s where we should remain,” he said.
The LBDA Director also lauded President William Ruto for according Raila Odinga a state burial with full military honours, a gesture he described as unprecedented and symbolic of national unity.
“I want to thank President William Ruto. Raila was buried like a president and honoured with dignity. The love Ruto showed the Luo community is commendable,” Kirindo added. “Let us support Ruto whether in UDA or ODM in 2027, because we will win together. For now, let us give Senator Oburu Oginga, the acting ODM party leader, time to guide us until a new kingpin emerges.”
