Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has resigned from his position as Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG) following widespread condemnation over remarks he made at a funeral that many Kenyans interpreted as celebrating the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Kahiga’s decision to step down came just hours before a scheduled CoG meeting that was expected to discuss the controversy surrounding his comments.
In a statement released on Wednesday morning, the governor expressed deep regret over his remarks, saying they were taken out of context and were not meant to offend or appear celebratory. He extended a public apology to the Odinga family, the Luo community and Kenyans at large.
“I want to sincerely apologise to our mourning nation, to the family of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Mama Ida Odinga, their children, Senator Oburu Oginga, Ruth Odinga, the entire extended family, the ODM fraternity, the Luo nation and all Kenyans for any pain my words may have caused,” Kahiga said.
He added that the comments were made in his home village during a burial and were intended to reflect on the political impact of Raila’s passing rather than celebrate it.
“The clip was taken while I was attending a burial in my home village. My remarks were in no way celebratory. I simply meant that the passing of Raila Odinga, who was a towering political figure, would cause all sides of the political divide to reflect and return to the drawing board,” he explained.
Kahiga acknowledged that his remarks had generated significant public outrage and debate. He emphasized that his statements represented his personal opinion and not that of any political group, ethnic community or the Council of Governors.
“In noting the huge public interest that this issue has generated, I am taking full responsibility for the real and perceived meaning of my remarks. As a result, I have decided that, with immediate effect, I am stepping down as the Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors,” he said.
He concluded his statement by calling for calm and respect during this period of national mourning, adding, “I also pray that the soul of Raila Odinga continues to rest in peace.”
The governor’s comments, which were captured in a viral video circulating online, sparked a wave of criticism from leaders and citizens across the political spectrum. In the clip, Kahiga allegedly suggested that Raila’s death would redirect government attention and resources toward the Mt. Kenya region, implying that the Nyanza region had been favored in recent months because of Raila’s close working relationship with President William Ruto.
Speaking in vernacular during the funeral, Kahiga was heard saying that “God had come through” for the Mt. Kenya region and that Raila’s death had forced political leaders to “go back to the drawing board.” The remarks quickly drew outrage on social media, with many Kenyans accusing the governor of insensitivity and ethnic divisiveness during a time of national grief.
Prominent leaders, including ODM officials, called for Kahiga’s resignation, saying his comments dishonored Raila’s legacy as a national leader who fought for democracy, unity and justice. Others urged restraint, reminding Kenyans of Raila’s own values of peace and forgiveness.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna urged Kenyans to respond to Kahiga’s remarks with love rather than anger, noting that Raila Odinga was known for his ability to forgive and unite people even in the face of provocation.
“Baba never held grudges. He believed in winning hearts, not fights. As his followers, we must honor that spirit,” Sifuna said.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga also weighed in, saying that Kahiga’s comments were “deeply hurtful” and unworthy of a national leader. She praised the decision to resign, calling it an important step toward restoring public trust.
Raila Odinga, 80, passed away in October 15 while undergoing treatment for cardiac arrest in India. His death has sent shockwaves across Kenya and the wider African continent, triggering a week of national mourning and tributes from citizens, leaders and global figures.
President William Ruto described Raila as a statesman and patriot whose vision and courage transformed Kenya’s democracy. Thousands of Kenyans have continued to visit his home in Bondo to pay their last respects, with leaders from across the political divide joining the family in mourning.
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