ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has called on supporters of the late Raila Odinga to respond with love and restraint following controversial remarks made by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga.
Speaking on Wednesday, Sifuna said the comments were hurtful but urged Raila’s followers to honour his legacy of peace and compassion.
“Baba never held grudges. He believed in winning hearts, not fights. As his followers, we must honour that spirit,” Sifuna stated. “If he were still around, the next thing you would see is him having lunch with Kahiga.”
Kahiga’s comments, made during a funeral in Nyeri, sparked outrage after he appeared to suggest that Raila’s death would “free” government resources for the Mt. Kenya region. The remarks quickly went viral, prompting condemnation from across the political divide.
In response, the Council of Governors (CoG) distanced itself from Kahiga’s sentiments, describing them as “reckless, insensitive, sad and unfortunate.” CoG Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi said the council did not share the governor’s views and condemned any attempt to politicize Raila’s death.
“It is inhumane and unacceptable for anyone to celebrate Raila’s death on political grounds,” Abdullahi said, adding that Raila’s contributions to Kenya’s democracy and devolution would forever be remembered.
Abdullahi also announced that the Council of Governors would hold an extraordinary meeting to deliberate on the issue and reaffirm Raila’s enduring legacy.
