Wamuzi News Ke
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua finds himself at the epicentre of a political storm after county governor Mutahi Kahiga made inflammatory comments following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga — remarks that critics say mirror Gachagua’s own rhetoric. Kahiga’s statement triggered national outrage, intensifying pressure on Gachagua to publicly respond and clarify his stance.
The Triggering Incident
During a public event, Nyeri County Governor Mutahi Kahiga was captured stating it was “good that Raila is dead” because it would redirect development away from the Nyanza region to Mount Kenya. The remarks unleashed a firestorm of condemnation from political rivals, civil society and the wider public, who described the comments as insensitive, divisive and disrespectful to a national figure.
Further elevating the tension, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) claimed Kahiga was not speaking independently but at the behest of Gachagua, labelling him as “a mouthpiece for Rigathi Gachagua.” For his part, Kahiga issued an apology and stepped down from his position in the Council of Governors (COG), but the damage appears to have already reverberated across Kenya’s political landscape.
Why Gachagua Is Under Intense Scrutiny
- Association risk: Since Kahiga is widely viewed as a close ally of Gachagua, the latter is being held politically accountable for the governor’s controversial comments. ODM’s glut of accusations highlights the potential for collateral damage to Gachagua’s reputation.
- Regional fault-lines: Mt. Kenya region politics have long been defined by alliances, loyalty and narrative control. Kahiga’s remarks threaten to fracture the region’s unity and place Gachagua in a defensive posture.
- Election 2027 stakes: With the build-up to the 2027 general election already underway, Gachagua cannot afford distractions. Remaining silent risks giving the impression of complicity or moral vacillation just as alliances are being forged.
- Public relations urgency: As the deputy president and a major player in national politics, Gachagua’s non-response may be interpreted as a lack of leadership or abdication of responsibility in moments of national sensitivity.
What’s at Stake
If Gachagua continues to withhold comment or fails to decisively distance himself from Kahiga’s remarks, several critical consequences loom:
- Erosion of credibility: In Kenyan politics, silence in the face of controversy often translates into an acceptance of blame. Gachagua could lose stature both within his region and on the national stage.
- Alliance realignment: Eastern and Central Kenya groups that rely on clear signals of regional leadership may question whether Gachagua still commands respect or can maintain coalition coherence.
- Political leverage for opponents: Rivals within and outside his political bloc could use Gachagua’s non-response as ammunition to portray him as weak or indecisive.
- Voter sentiment impact: In the run-up to 2027, public sentiment, particularly among those dismayed by Kahiga’s comments, may shift against the Mt. Kenya bloc if the silence persists.
