When Vincent Kawaya, Member of Parliament for Mwala and United Democratic Alliance publicly called for the resignation of Mutahi Kahiga, Governor of Nyeri County on October 22, 2025, the nation’s social media lit up. The spark? A comment made at a burial in Kiganjo, where Kahiga said former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s hypothetical death would be a “blessing” for the Mount Kenya region. The backlash was swift, crossing party lines and prompting the Council of Governors to strip him of his vice‑chairmanship just hours later.
Background of the Controversial Remark
Kahiga, a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) stalwart who won the Nyeri gubernatorial seat on August 9, 2022, delivered the remark during a traditional funeral ceremony in his home village. Speaking in Kikuyu, he said that the passing of Odinga would be a "blessing" for the people of the Mount Kenya area. The comment, though delivered in a private setting, was recorded on a by‑stander’s phone and went viral on X, Facebook, and WhatsApp within minutes. By midday, the hashtag #KahigaResign had trended nationally for over six hours.
While Kahiga later claimed he was not celebrating any death, his apology on the same day acknowledged the “public outrage” his words caused. He insisted the statement was taken out of context, but the damage was already done.
Political Reactions Across the Spectrum
Beyond Kawaya’s demand, leaders from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and even some UDA allies condemned the comment as reckless. Kalonzo Musyoka, head of the Wiper Democratic Movement, was warned by Kawaya that “the politics of hate have no place in the new Kenya we are building.”
Even William Ruto, Kenya’s President, urged calm, stating that political discourse should never “fuel ethnic tension.” Meanwhile, civil society groups called for a swift investigation, fearing the comment could reignite historic divisions between the Kikuyu and Luo communities.
Legal and Institutional Response
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) received an official request from Kawaya to launch an inquiry. Under the National Cohesion and Integration Act of 2008, the commission can prosecute hate speech that endangers national unity. The NCIC’s head, Dr. Ng'ang'a, confirmed a team would be dispatched to Nyeri within 24 hours.
In parallel, the Council of Governors voted unanimously to accept Kahiga’s resignation as vice‑chair, though he remains governor pending further action. The council’s spokesperson said the move was meant to “preserve the integrity of the institution and restore public confidence.”
Implications for Kenya’s Ethnic Harmony
The episode underscores how a single off‑hand remark can ripple through Kenya’s delicate ethno‑political landscape. Analysts point to the 2007‑08 post‑election violence as a cautionary tale, noting that language that pits one community against another can quickly become a catalyst for unrest.
Researchers at the University of Nairobi’s Institute of Governance argue that the incident could embolden opposition forces to press for stricter hate‑speech legislation, while also pushing the ruling UDA to tighten internal discipline. The fear is that without decisive action, other regional leaders might feel empowered to make similarly incendiary statements.
What’s Next for Nyeri’s Leadership?
With his vice‑chair role gone, Kahiga faces mounting pressure from both his party and civil society to step down completely. If he refuses, the NCIC could recommend a court‑ordered removal under the Constitution’s provisions for misconduct. A special election could be called, but that would leave Nyeri County without a stable leader during a crucial development period.
Meanwhile, Kawaya has signaled that the UDA’s national executive will convene by the end of the week to decide on possible sanctions against Kahiga. Sources close to the party suggest a possible suspension pending a formal ethics hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this affect the residents of Nyeri County?
Nyeri voters now face uncertainty about who will steer development projects and public services. If Kahiga steps down, a caretaker or interim governor may be appointed, potentially delaying infrastructure plans already in motion.
What triggered the NCIC’s involvement?
Vincent Kawaya formally asked the commission to investigate, citing the remark’s potential to incite ethnic tension. Under the 2008 Act, the NCIC can prosecute hate speech that threatens national cohesion.
Could this lead to new hate‑speech legislation?
Political analysts say the incident may revive calls for tighter laws. Lawmakers from both the ruling UDA and opposition ODM have hinted at reviewing the 2008 Act to include clearer penalties.
What role did President William Ruto play?
President Ruto urged calm and called for unity, emphasizing that political discourse must not fuel division. He has not intervened directly but his administration will monitor the NCIC’s findings.
Is there a precedent for a governor’s forced resignation in Kenya?
Yes. In 2019, the Governor of Mombasa stepped down after a corruption scandal that led to a court‑ordered removal. The Kahiga case could become another landmark for accountability at the county level.
Kawaya is right, a leader who says a thing like that should step down now. We can’t let hate speech slide, especially from someone who represents us. This is about respect for all Kenyans.