Kikuyu elders have distanced the community from remarks made by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga that appeared to celebrate the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The elders, who visited Raila’s gravesite at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, said the Gikuyu community shared in the nation’s sorrow and respected Raila as a leader who always stood for peace, unity, and progress.
Led by Ndia MP George Kariuki and the Gikuyu Council of Elders’ National Director for Culture, Kigochi Waimiri, the delegation condemned the governor’s remarks as insensitive and unrepresentative of the community’s values.
“We do not want to be associated with any insensitive and ugly sentiments voiced out there,” said Kariuki, adding that Raila was instrumental in fostering national unity and development.
He described the late ODM leader as a statesman who had multiple chances to divide the nation but consistently chose peace. “Every time the opportunity presented itself, he used it to unite Kenyans,” he said.
Waimiri echoed the sentiments, saying the elders’ visit symbolized friendship and solidarity with the Luo community during the mourning period. “Raila was a friend of the Gikuyu people and always stood for peace. We urge Kenyans to heed Mama Ida Odinga’s call for calm and unity,” he said.
Raila Junior, who received the elders at the gravesite, thanked them for their visit, saying it demonstrated that Kenya remained one united family despite political differences.
