Homa Bay Condemns Governor Kahiga’s “Primitive and Tribal” Remarks on Raila Odinga

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has issued a scathing condemnation of Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga following his remarks about the late Rt Hon Raila Odinga, calling them "primitive, insensitive, and deeply insulting."

In a strongly worded statement released on Monday, Governor Wanga, who also serves as Chairperson of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), expressed outrage over Kahiga’s public comments, in which he reportedly said Raila Odinga’s death was an “answered prayer” for himself and his supporters.

“This is politics at its dirtiest,” Wanga stated, referencing the emotional toll the fake death reports took on Raila in the days leading up to his passing. “Raila believed someone was behind this vicious propaganda, and now Kahiga’s statement affirms those fears.”

Governor Wanga accused Kahiga of a long-standing pattern of inflammatory rhetoric, ethnic profiling, and political hate-mongering, particularly targeting the Luo community and Raila Odinga.

"Still, none of his past outbursts have stooped as low as what he said today,” Wanga said. “To mock the death of a national icon and glorify it as divine intervention is not only reprehensible but dangerous.”

She urged Kenyans to stand united in condemning what she termed as “tribal chauvinism,” warning that such utterances have the potential to divide the country and incite ethnic tensions.

“Chauvinism like Kahiga’s has set many nations aflame. It could do so in Kenya too. Kenya belongs to all its people, not a select few.”

Governor Wanga further demanded Kahiga’s immediate resignation as Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors, saying he has no moral authority to continue in leadership after such statements.

“As his colleague, I am ashamed. As Chair of ODM and a believer in Raila Odinga’s legacy, I take serious offense. He must go.”

Raila Odinga, who died under circumstances yet to be disclosed, had spent his last days lamenting the cruelty and hatred that had taken hold of national politics. His legacy as a champion of democracy, justice, and national unity continues to resonate across Kenya and beyond.