Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has argued that former Prime Minister, the late Raila Odinga, would have had lunch with Nyeri County Governor Mutahi Kahiga amid vile hatred against him.

Sifuna’s remarks come hours after Mutahi Kahiga appeared to be celebrating the death of the late ODM leader, asserting that his death is a blessing in disguise, designed to take back development projects to the Central region of Kenya.

In an amateur video that has since gone viral and attracted public outrage, Governor Kahiga is recorded telling mourners in Nyeri on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, that the time has come for the region to receive development, as Raila Odinga was the obstacle.

Elsewhere, a section of ODM leaders have also condemned Governor Kahiga over remarks on Raila Odinga’s death.

Sifuna speaks

“You guys can see what had been planned, but God brought something up. Now it’s total confusion. We did not harbour hate for anyone, but God came through for us,” Kahiga said.

These utterances have angered many, leaders alike, prompting the Nairobi City County Senator to air his views in regard to the incident. Sifuna has, however, said Raila Odinga was a man who held no grudges even against his enemies, implying that the late ODM chief would still give room to Kahiga, only that he is dead.

”We know there are those who hated Baba, but it’s still shocking to hear it. Mutahi Kahiga is easily the vilest of the bunch, but Baba taught us to always respond with love. If he were still around, the next thing you would see is him having lunch with Kahiga,” Sifuna said.

ODM reacts

Meanwhile, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has strongly condemned Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga over his remarks, terming them regrettable for a public leader.

“At a moment when millions of Kenyans across political, ethnic, and religious lines are still in deep mourning, Governor Kahiga chose to pour salt into the nation’s open wounds,” ODM deputy party leader Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir said in a statement seen by the media on Tuesday night, October 21, 2025.

The Mombasa County Governor added that Raila Odinga was a symbol of national unity and reconciliation. “Despite the unfortunate utterances in Kieni, we remain steadfast and undeterred in advancing the values of unity and nation-building. We will continue to work in good faith toward a more cohesive, just, and prosperous Kenya,” Nassir said.

Meanwhile, the Council of Governors has also condemned Mutahi Kahiga’s remarks over the demise of the late ODM leader.