Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, who is also the Vice Chair of the Council of Governors, has resigned from his position as the Vice Chair of the Council.
In a press conference on Wednesday, October 22, he said he is taking responsibility following a viral video where he appeared to celebrate the death of the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
” 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,” said Kahiga.
At the same time, Mutahi Kahiga apologized to the Odinga family and all Kenyans regarding his remarks.
“From the very onset, I want to sincerely apologize to our mourning nation; to the family of the Rt. Hon. Former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, Mama Ida Odinga, her children Rosemary, Junior, and Winnie, Hon. Senator Oburu Odinga, Hon. MP Ruth Odinga, other siblings, and the larger extended family; the ODM fraternity; the Luo Nation; Kenyans at large; and my colleague leaders from all sides of the political divide, for any harm that my remarks may have caused,” said Kahiga.
Mutahi Kahiga Resigns as Vice Chair of COG
Additionally, he stated that his remarks were misquoted, clarifying that he meant to highlight that the current broad-based government formation has led to an unfair distribution of resources.
Also Read: Mutahi Kahiga Pays Glowing Tribute to Raila, Recalls His Role in Gachagua’s Impeachment
Politically, he meant that the loss of Prime Minister Raila Odinga sends everyone back to the drawing board, and “God takes the best” does not mean he was thankful for Raila’s death.
“What I meant is that under the current broad-based government, we have seen skewed development. Politically, the loss of the Rt. Hon. Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga sends everyone back to the drawing board. As the popular saying goes, ‘God takes the best,’ and it is in this context that I made those remarks in vernacular,” said the Governor.
Nyeri Governor Condoles with Odinga Family
The Nyeri Governor further clarified that the remarks he made about the former Prime Minister’s death were his own personal views and not made on behalf of the community.
“Let me make it clear that the remarks I made are my personal views and should in no way be associated with the position of any community, political affiliation, or the Council of Governors,” added Mutahi Kahiga.
Moreover, the Nyeri Governor condoled with the Odinga family, saying, “May the soul of the Rt. Hon. Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga continue resting in eternal peace.”
Also Read: Urgent Meeting Convened After Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s Remarks on Raila
Mutahi Kahiga’s resignation as Vice Chair comes hours after several leaders, led by ODM Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor, called for his resignation following the remarks he made at a funeral in Nyeri.
In a video circulating on social media on Tuesday, October 21, Governor Mutahi Kahiga implied that Raila Odinga’s death on October 15, 2025, was a form of “divine intervention” that disrupted political plans perceived to marginalize the Mt. Kenya region.
“If you look closely, all things, national resources, were being sent to Western and Nyanza because, apparently, we (Agikuyu) were not in their plans. But God came and heard our (Agikuyu) cries, and He did His wonders!” said the Nyeri Governor.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates
