Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has resigned as Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG) following public outrage over remarks he made after the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
His comments, captured on video and widely shared on social media, were condemned as insensitive, divisive, and disrespectful to the Odinga family and the nation.
During a burial ceremony in his home village of Nyeri County, Kahiga suggested in Gikuyu that Odinga’s passing was an act of divine intervention benefiting the Mount Kenya region politically.
“God came through for the region by disrupting plans that would have sidelined us,” he said, adding that people should stay alert to political developments. Portions of his speech drew cheers from some mourners.
The Council of Governors immediately distanced itself from Kahiga’s remarks, describing them as “reckless, insensitive, and unacceptable,” and unanimously resolved to remove him from his position.
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura condemned the statements and directed the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to take action against leaders who incite division.
Despite issuing a public apology to the Odinga family and insisting his words were “misconstrued,” Kahiga faces continued backlash.
Political figures, including Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi, have called for his impeachment, citing the remarks as “reckless and shameful.”
Kahiga apologised to the Odinga family and Kenyans at large, saying his messaged had been misconstrued.
Raila Odinga, who died last week at the age of 80 after treatment in India, served as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and remained a central opposition figure despite losing five presidential elections, including in 2022.
He was laid to rest on Sunday at the family farm in Kang’o ka Jaramogi, Bondo, beside his parents’ graves.