Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has resigned from his position as Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG) following widespread outrage over comments he made appearing to celebrate the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Governor Kahiga came under intense public and political criticism after a video surfaced of him speaking at a funeral in Nyeri on Tuesday, where he claimed that Raila’s death had “leveled the political playing field” and altered national development priorities that had allegedly favored the Nyanza region.
Speaking in Kikuyu, Kahiga told mourners that the passing of the ODM leader was “God’s plan” for Mt. Kenya, remarks that were immediately condemned as “insensitive, divisive, and inhumane.”
“You guys can see what had been planned, but God brought something up. Now it’s total confusion. We did not harbor hate for anyone, but God came through for us,” Kahiga said during the funeral.
“Because the plan that had been hatched… all goodies were being directed there because of tomorrow’s plans. But God came and brought this thing,” he added, in reference to Raila’s death.
“Who is God? Does he take ugali at somebody’s house or sleep in Kayole? He came through in his own way… and came for Baba so that he can go and smooth things up there.”
The remarks sparked a nationwide backlash, with leaders across the political divide accusing Kahiga of celebrating tragedy and inflaming ethnic tensions at a time when Kenya is in mourning.
Council of Governors Distances Itself
In a statement issued on Wednesday morning, Council of Governors Chair Ahmed Abdullahi said Kahiga’s remarks were “personal views that do not reflect the position of the Council.”
Abdullahi added that an extraordinary CoG meeting had been convened to address the matter, noting that the Council “deeply regrets any pain caused to the family of the late Raila Odinga and the people of Kenya.”
Resignation and Apology
Facing mounting pressure, Kahiga held a press conference later in the day where he apologized to Raila’s family, ODM supporters, and the people of Nyanza. He also announced his resignation as CoG Vice Chair with immediate effect.
“I want to apologise to the family, the larger ODM, my colleagues, and those in the Nyanza region,” Kahiga said.
“My remarks are personal and not those of the people of Nyeri or the Council of Governors. I am taking responsibility and resigning with immediate effect as the vice chair of the Council of Governors.”
Kahiga, who was elected to the CoG leadership on October 6, 2025, maintained that his comments were taken out of context but admitted they were “inappropriate and regrettable.”
Political Leaders React
Homa Bay Governor and ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga sharply criticized Kahiga’s statements, describing them as “primitive, insensitive, and insulting.”
“Governor Kahiga’s remarks represent a new low in our politics,” Wanga said.
“They reflect long-standing ethnic profiling and disdain for the Luo community, which has no place in a nation that Raila Odinga helped to democratize.”
Leaders from across the political spectrum, including Azimio and Kenya Kwanza allies, also condemned the remarks, urging leaders to show restraint and empathy during this period of national mourning.
Nation in Mourning
Raila Odinga, Kenya’s second prime minister and veteran opposition leader, passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, while receiving treatment in India. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief across Kenya and beyond, with leaders describing him as a “giant of democracy” and “a father of modern Kenyan politics.”
President William Ruto declared a national period of mourning, with flags flown at half-mast until Raila’s burial.
Raila was laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, 2025, in a state funeral held at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.
