The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has announced plans to take disciplinary action against Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga following his controversial remarks about former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The announcement was made on Thursday, October 23, by UDA Chairperson and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, who emphasized that the party strongly disassociates itself from the governor’s statements.
“As the UDA party, we disassociated ourselves from the sentiments by Governor Kahiga and have cautioned him to adhere to the ideals of the ruling party,” Mbarire stated. “Now that the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned him, we will also take action at the party level. We will write to him on the next course of action.”
Kahiga faced backlash after comments he made during a funeral in Nyeri, where he claimed that the passing of Raila Odinga was a “blessing” for the Mt Kenya region. The governor alleged that Raila’s partnership with President William Ruto had led to development projects being shifted from Central Kenya to the Nyanza region.
The remarks drew sharp criticism from leaders across the political divide, including members of both UDA and ODM, who described them as insensitive during a period of national mourning.
Following public outrage, Governor Kahiga resigned from his position as Vice Chair of the Council of Governors (CoG) and issued an apology to Raila Odinga’s family, the ODM fraternity, and Kenyans.
“My remarks were in no way celebratory,” Kahiga clarified, expressing regret that his words had been misinterpreted.
Governor Mbarire dismissed Kahiga’s claims, affirming that the Mt Kenya region is benefitting from numerous government projects in housing, roads, electrification, and healthcare.
“It is not true that development is going to only one region. The dualling of the Makutano–Embu–Meru road and other projects show our full support for President Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki,” Mbarire affirmed.
