Kahiga Quits CoG Post After Backlash Over Raila Remarks

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has resigned as the Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors following public outrage over his remarks about the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Kahiga announced his resignation on Wednesday, saying he took the step “in good faith” after his comments at a funeral in Nyeri drew sharp criticism from across the political divide.

“I wish to tender my resignation as the Vice Chair of the Council of Governors with immediate effect,” he said in a statement. “My comments were misinterpreted and I deeply regret the hurt they may have caused.”

A video that went viral on Tuesday showed Kahiga speaking in Kikuyu language, suggesting that Odinga’s death was “a blessing in disguise” for the Mt Kenya region. The remarks sparked anger, with leaders and the public terming them insensitive and disrespectful.

“My intention was not to mock or celebrate anyone’s death,” he explained. “I was only highlighting issues of development imbalance that have affected our region.”

The Council of Governors, chaired by Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, convened an emergency meeting where members unanimously accepted Kahiga’s resignation. The council distanced itself from his remarks, calling them “regrettable and unfortunate.”
ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga led the condemnation, saying the statement was “primitive and shameful,” and demanded his immediate removal.

“No leader should ever derive political meaning from the death of another,” Wanga said. “Governor Kahiga must apologise to the Odinga family and the entire Luo community.”

Kahiga later issued a formal apology to Mama Ida Odinga, the ODM Party, and Kenyans, insisting that the views were personal and not representative of Nyeri County or the Council of Governors.

“I sincerely apologise to the family of the late Right Honourable Raila Odinga, to the Luo community, and to all Kenyans,” he said. “It was never my wish to offend.”

The Council is expected to elect a new Vice Chair in the coming days. Kahiga, however, remains the Governor of Nyeri County.