The warning follows remarks made by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, which ODM leaders have described as divisive and disrespectful in light of the nation’s ongoing mourning period.
Speaking to reporters in Kisumu on Wednesday, ODM Kisumu Deputy Chairperson Seth Kanga who also doubles up as Assembly Whip said the party would not welcome Gachagua’s planned visit to the Nyanza region, citing what he termed as “unfriendly sentiments” towards ODM and its leadership.
“We heard that Gachagua and his team plan to visit the home of our party leader, the late Raila Odinga. We are urging him—please, don’t step in Bondo,” Kanga stated.
The remarks come days after a video surfaced online showing Governor Kahiga suggesting that political dynamics in government had shifted in favour of the Nyanza region following the new working relationship between President William Ruto and Raila Odinga.
In the viral clip, filmed during a burial ceremony in Nyeri and delivered in Kikuyu, Kahiga appeared to suggest that Raila’s passing was “God’s plan” and had “levelled the political playing field.”
The comments sparked nationwide outrage, with ODM Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga describing the statements as “primitive, insensitive, and deeply insulting.”
In a statement issued Tuesday evening, Wanga said Kahiga’s remarks amounted to “mocking the memory of a national leader who dedicated his life to democracy and unity.”
She demanded Kahiga’s immediate resignation as Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG).
“This country deserves leaders who embody empathy and respect, not divisive rhetoric. Kahiga must go,” Wanga declared.
Council of Governors Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi also distanced the body from Kahiga’s comments, saying they were personal views that did not represent the CoG.
“We condemn these utterances, which were both untimely and unacceptable—especially during a period when Kenyans are mourning,” Abdullahi said in a Wednesday statement.
Following mounting pressure, Governor Kahiga later apologized for his remarks and stepped down from his CoG leadership position.
