Maraga: Mutahi Kahiga’s remarks on Raila’s death violate 2010 Constitution
By Joel Masibo, October 22, 2025Former Chief Justice David Maraga has condemned the viral remarks made by Nyeri County Governor Mutahi Kahiga, seemingly celebrating the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
In a widespread video clip, Governor Khiga is recorded addressing mourners in the Kikuyu dialect, saying Raila Odinga’s death is a blessing in disguise meant to bring back development in the Central region of Kenya. Kahiga said the late Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader was a hindrance to development in the region lately.
These assertions have attracted national outrage against the Nyeri Governor, with the former CJ quoting an article in the 2010 promulgated Constitution that Mutahi Kahiga’s sentiments violated.
Also watch: ODM condemns Governor Kahiga over remarks on Raila Odinga’s death.
Maraga speaks
”As a campaign that is guided by the Ukatiba Philosophy, we would like to remind Governor Mutahi Kahiga of Nyeri County that Art 73 (1) of the Constitution requires a State Officer “demonstrate respect for the people; and (iii) bring honour to the nation and dignity to the office”.
“The Governor’s remarks regarding the demise of Rt Hon. Raila Odinga’s remarks are abhorrent and should not only be treated with the contempt they deserve, but he should also be reminded that these remarks are a violation of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010,” Maraga stated on Tuesday night, October 21, 2025.
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At the same time, the Council of Governors (CoG), where Governor Kahiga sits as a Deputy Chair, has expressed deep disappointment over his remarks that appeared to celebrate the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, terming them “reckless, insensitive, and inhumane.”
In a statement dated October 21, 2025, and signed by CoG Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi, the council also dissociated itself from Kahiga’s comments.
CoG responds
“Today, the Council of Governors registers its deep disappointment on the unfortunate utterances by Governor Kahiga Mutahi of Nyeri County,” Abdullahi said. “We wish to disassociate in toto with the sentiments of Governor Kahiga and note that those are personal remarks that do not reflect or represent the views of the Council of Governors, especially at this time of deep mourning.”
Mutahi Kahiga’s remarks have seen leaders call for his removal from the Council of Governors, while Kenyans have called for his impeachment from office. Raila Odinga Odinga died on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, while undergoing treatment in India. The former PM was laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at his home in Bondo, Siaya County.