Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has resigned as Council of Governors Vice Chair after a viral video in which he made remarks about Raila Odinga’s death sparked nationwide outrage.
Nyeri, Kenya, Oct’ 22, 2025-Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has resigned as the Council of Governors (COG) Vice Chairperson following a public uproar over his controversial remarks about the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
In a statement on Wednesday, Kahiga apologised to the Odinga family, the Luo community, and Kenyans at large, admitting that his comments — made in Kikuyu dialect during a burial in Nyeri — were inappropriate and had been misinterpreted.
“I sincerely apologise to the family of the Rt. Hon. Former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, Mama Ida Odinga, their children, and the wider ODM fraternity for any harm that my remarks may have elicited,” Kahiga said.
He clarified that the statement was taken out of context, adding that he did not intend to celebrate Odinga’s death. “The clip was taken while attending a burial in my home village. My remarks were in no way celebratory,” he said. “I take responsibility for the real and perceived meaning of my words and therefore, with immediate effect, I step down as the Vice Chair of the Council of Governors.”
His resignation came a day after the Council of Governors issued a strongly worded statement disassociating itself from Kahiga’s comments, terming them “reckless, insensitive, sad, and unfortunate.”
“The Council of Governors registers its deep disappointment on the unfortunate utterances by Governor Kahiga Mutahi of Nyeri County,” COG Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi said. “It is inhumane and unacceptable to celebrate the death of a statesman whose contribution to the country’s history and devolution is immense.”
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi also joined other leaders in condemning Kahiga’s remarks, saying such statements risk inflaming tribal divisions at a sensitive time for the nation. “Governor Mutahi Kahiga, why are you pushing one community against the wall when the country is yet to come to terms with the loss of Baba Raila? Stirring tribal tensions is irresponsible and reckless. Shame on you!” he posted on X.
The controversy erupted after a viral video showed Kahiga making remarks in Kikuyu language suggesting that Raila’s death was an act of divine intervention, drawing widespread condemnation from across the political divide.
Raila Odinga, who died earlier this month, was mourned nationally as a liberation hero and father of devolution, with his burial attracting thousands of mourners and international dignitaries in Siaya County.
