Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) Secretary for Planning and Economic Affairs Peter Mbae has stated that Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga is a state agent and does not belong to their party or, by extension, the United Opposition.

While reacting to Kahiga’s speech on the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, which caused an uproar among Kenyans on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, Mbae said Kahiga’s remarks do not reflect the position of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. He added that Kahiga was being used by those he works for.

Mbae emphasised that Kahiga does not represent their movement, describing him as a state operative whose actions and words are directed by his handlers.

He urged Kenyans not to be misled into associating Kahiga’s statements with their camp, saying the governor has been closely working with individuals the opposition rejected a year ago.

“Please, I will say this from the word go. Kahiga does not represent us. Kahiga ni Mutu ya state by extension because nimtu ya state. Mtagoganishwa vichwa hii town So please, can you look for your enemy in the right place?” Mbae said

He further revealed that even Deputy President Kithure Kindiki had previously sent Kahiga to represent him in church functions, arguing that this proves Kahiga’s allegiance to the state and not to the United Opposition.

“Kahiga is not our person; he does not belong to us. He has been walking around with people we rejected a year ago; even Deputy President Kindiki sent Kahiga to represent him in his church,” he added.

Slamming ODM

Mbae criticised ODM leaders for linking Kahiga’s controversial remarks to Rigathi Gachagua, saying they were targeting the wrong people.

He urged them to focus on those who instructed Kahiga to speak ill of Raila Odinga’s death, noting that the individuals who are responsible for Kahiga’s remarks operate within the broad-based government arrangement.

“So then, how do you accuse us of associating with Rigathi Gachagua on Kahiga? The person whom ODM should be addressing their statement to is the person who sent Kahiga to speak ill of Raila’s death; that is the person whom you should be dealing with, and they are within the broad base,” he added.

He cautioned ODM leaders to direct their energy toward the real culprits instead of “fighting their own shadows”, saying that doing otherwise only benefits those orchestrating the confusion.

Mbae’s statement followed outrage sparked by remarks made by Governor Kahiga in vernacular during a public event, which appeared to celebrate the death of Raila Odinga. The former Prime Minister was laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Kango ka Jaramogi.