Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has promised stern action against Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga after uttering words appearing to celebrate the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who died on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, while undergoing treatment in India.

In a widely circulated video clip, Governor Mutahi Kahiga is recorded addressing mourners in the native Kikuyu dialect, stating that Raila Odinga’s death will bring back development to the Central region of Kenya.

The governor said the late Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader was the reason why the region was overlooked in terms of development by the national government.

The insensitive utterances have attracted national outrage against Kahiga, with Ledama Olekina calling for a public apology by Mutahi Kahiga or face consequences.

”Governor Kahiga’s comments are unacceptable and do not reflect our national values of respect and unity. Regardless of political differences, leaders must uphold the dignity of those who have passed and promote peace among all communities.”

“At a time of mourning, such divisive speech only deepens wounds and undermines the nation’s cohesion. A public apology is not only appropriate but also necessary to promote healing and restore trust in leadership. Otherwise, we will deal with him accordingly…” Olekina said on X on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.

Also watch: ODM condemns Governor Kahiga over remarks on Raila Odinga’s death.

CoG reacts

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.

“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.”

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.