MUTAHI KAHIGA RESIGNS AS VICE-CHAIR OF COUNCIL OF GOVERNORS AFTER COMMENTS ON RAILA’S DEATH

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has resigned from his position as the Vice-Chairperson of the Council of Governors with immediate effect. 

This decision comes in the wake of mass condemnation over remarks he made that were perceived as celebrating the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The controversy started from a vernacular clip from a funeral on Tuesday, where Governor Kahiga suggested that the government had directed all resources to Nyanza to prepare for the 2027 elections, before “God took away Mr. Odinga,” forcing political arrangements “back to the drawing board.“

In a press statement issued today, the governor offered an apology “to our mourning nation, to the family of the Rt. Hon Former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga… the ODM fraternity, the Luo Nation and Kenyans at large.” He clarified that his comments were “in no way celebratory,” but rather an observation on skewed development and the political vacuum created by the statesman’s passing. He said that the views were his own and not representative of any community or the Council of Governors.

“Finally, in noting the huge public interest that this issue has generated, I am taking responsibility of the real and perceived meaning of my remarks and as a result therefore, I have decided that with immediate effect to step down as the Vice Chair of the Council of Governors,” Kahiga stated.

The Council of Governors had earlier released a statement, calling his statement “deep disappointment“. The Council, chaired by Ahmed Abdullahi, described the comments as “reckless, insensitive, sad and unfortunate.“

“It is inhumane and unacceptable to celebrate his death on account of perceived political calculations,” the Council’s statement read, paying tribute to the late Odinga as “the architect and father of Devolution.”

In light of the incident, the Council’s Chairman confirmed that an urgent meeting had been convened to deliberate on the matter further. Governor Kahiga concluded his statement by wishing for the soul of the former Prime Minister to “continue resting in eternal peace.“