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Gachagua Cancels Jaramogi Odinga Home Trip in Wake of Mutahi Remarks

A major political crisis unfolded Tuesday after Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga made controversial remarks concerning the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, leading to his resignation from a leadership post and the cancellation of a high-profile condolence visit.

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The fallout prompted former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to cancel his scheduled trip to pay respects at the Odinga family home in Kang’o ka Jaramogi. The decision was reportedly made amid fears that the toxic atmosphere created by the remarks could lead to unrest.

The controversy began when Governor Kahiga, speaking in Kieni in the Kikuyu language, suggested that Raila Odinga’s passing would “free” the government. He claimed that since Odinga joined President William Ruto’s broad-based government, state resources had been unfairly channeled to the Nyanza region.

Facing a massive public and political backlash for remarks widely perceived as celebrating the death, Kahiga resigned as the Deputy Chairperson of the Council of Governors. He has since defended his statements, insisting his comments on resource allocation were taken out of context and that he was not celebrating the death.

The incident has intensified political friction, with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and other critics now asserting that Governor Kahiga’s views are a public reflection of the private sentiments held by former Deputy President Gachagua. The situation remains volatile as the nation continues to mourn.