Deputy President Kithure Kindike
By David Njoroger
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has cautioned political leaders against making disparaging remarks about the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying such statements dishonour his memory and undermine Kenya’s unity.
Speaking during a development tour in West Pokot on Wednesday, October 22, Kindiki said it was “shameful” for any public official to ridicule or celebrate the death of a national figure who dedicated his life to democracy, justice, and inclusion.
“Let no one attempt to disrespect or dishonour his name and his legacy. It is quite shameful for any leader to demean Raila’s legacy or celebrate his death,” Kindiki said.
His remarks followed the recent uproar over comments by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, who described Raila’s death as “divine intervention” — a statement that drew widespread condemnation. The backlash forced Kahiga to resign as Vice Chair of the Council of Governors, with the council unanimously voting to remove him from the position.
Kahiga has since apologised to Raila’s family and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), saying his words were misinterpreted and caused unnecessary pain during a time of mourning.
Kindiki, who co-chaired the State Funeral Committee, emphasised that Raila’s contributions to Kenya’s political transformation and his decades-long fight for freedom would continue to inspire generations.
“If you don’t respect the person, respect the country, the family, and the values he stood for,” he said. “Kenya will be a better country if we draw lessons from his life and leadership.”
The Deputy President said that although Raila never held the office of President, his sacrifices for national unity, good governance, and multi-party democracy remain unmatched.
“We accorded him a state funeral with full military honours. He may not have been a head of state, but what he did for Kenya is great. We salute him and pledge to continue uniting the nation, because that is the best way to honour him,” Kindiki added.
During his West Pokot visit, Kindiki also launched a last-mile electricity connection project in Longarkau village, Suam Ward, Kacheliba Constituency, part of a Sh2 billion investment targeting over 10,000 households. Kacheliba Constituency alone will receive Sh678 million to power 4,000 homes.
The Deputy President announced additional projects, including the upgrading of the Makutano–Alale Road, the construction of new markets in Alale, Makutano, Ortum, Sigor, and Chapareria worth Sh520 million, and ongoing affordable housing projects in Kapenguria.
He revealed that a total of Sh25.3 billion had been allocated for development in West Pokot County.
“We are uniting the country to ensure every region benefits from development. Our unity is not for selfish reasons — all Kenyans deserve equal opportunities,” he said.
Kindiki was accompanied by Governor Simon Kachapin, Members of Parliament Titus Lotee, David Pkosing, and William Kamket, as well as former leaders John Lonyangapuo, Samuel Poghisio, and Lilian Tomitom.
