The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga after he allegedly made divisive remarks concerning the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The move comes after a video surfaced online showing Kahiga speaking during a burial ceremony in Nyeri County on October 21, 2025, where he appeared to mock Raila’s death.
According to NCIC Chairperson Samuel Kobia, the governor’s comments violated the law that prohibits hate speech and ethnic incitement.
The Commission said the remarks were not only insensitive but also had the potential to divide the country at a time when Kenyans are mourning the loss of a national leader.
Kobia explained that Kahiga has been ordered to appear before the Commission’s headquarters at Britam Towers in Nairobi to explain his statement and assist in the ongoing investigation.
The NCIC emphasized that it will not hesitate to take legal action against any leader, regardless of their political rank, found spreading hate or ethnic hostility.
“The NCIC has noted with deep concern the words attributed to Governor Mutahi Kahiga,” the Commission said in a statement.
“As part of our mandate, we have summoned him to clarify his position on the matter and help promote unity and national healing.”
The Commission also reminded politicians to exercise caution when addressing the public, especially on sensitive national matters, and to avoid utterances that could cause tension or mistrust among communities.
Following public outrage, Governor Kahiga issued an apology on Wednesday morning, saying his comments were taken out of context.
Speaking to the press, he said,
The move comes after a video surfaced online showing Kahiga speaking during a burial ceremony in Nyeri County on October 21, 2025, where he appeared to mock Raila’s death.
According to NCIC Chairperson Samuel Kobia, the governor’s comments violated the law that prohibits hate speech and ethnic incitement.
The Commission said the remarks were not only insensitive but also had the potential to divide the country at a time when Kenyans are mourning the loss of a national leader.
Kobia explained that Kahiga has been ordered to appear before the Commission’s headquarters at Britam Towers in Nairobi to explain his statement and assist in the ongoing investigation.
The NCIC emphasized that it will not hesitate to take legal action against any leader, regardless of their political rank, found spreading hate or ethnic hostility.
“The NCIC has noted with deep concern the words attributed to Governor Mutahi Kahiga,” the Commission said in a statement.
“As part of our mandate, we have summoned him to clarify his position on the matter and help promote unity and national healing.”
The Commission also reminded politicians to exercise caution when addressing the public, especially on sensitive national matters, and to avoid utterances that could cause tension or mistrust among communities.
Following public outrage, Governor Kahiga issued an apology on Wednesday morning, saying his comments were taken out of context.
Speaking to the press, he said,
“I sincerely apologise to the Odinga family, to Mama Ida Odinga, and to the people of Kenya. I did not intend to cause pain or division. My statement was misunderstood, and I regret the distress it has caused.”
Kahiga, who recently resigned as the vice chairperson of the Council of Governors, insisted that his remarks were his personal opinion and did not represent the views of the Mt. Kenya region or his political party, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Kahiga, who recently resigned as the vice chairperson of the Council of Governors, insisted that his remarks were his personal opinion and did not represent the views of the Mt. Kenya region or his political party, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
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