Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has been forced to resign as the Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG) following massive public backlash over his controversial remarks about the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
His resignation came just hours after the CoG, under the leadership of Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, called for an urgent meeting to deliberate on disciplinary action against him.
In a heartfelt statement on Wednesday morning, Kahiga apologized to Raila Odinga’s family, the ODM Party, and Kenyans at large, saying his comments were misunderstood and had caused unnecessary pain during a time of mourning.
“I want to sincerely apologise to our mourning nation — to Mama Ida Odinga, her children, Hon. Senator Oburu Odinga, Hon. MP Ruth Odinga, the ODM fraternity, the Luo Nation, and Kenyans at large,” Kahiga said.
He clarified that his words were not meant to celebrate Raila’s death but to highlight the political uncertainty it left behind.
“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 sends everyone back to the drawing board,” he explained.
Kahiga went on to say that he had decided to step down voluntarily to take full responsibility for the real and perceived harm caused by his remarks.
“In noting the huge public interest this issue has generated, I am taking full responsibility for my remarks. Therefore, I have decided to step down as the Vice Chair of the Council of Governors with immediate effect,” he announced.
The remarks, which Kahiga made during a public address in Nyeri, sparked a nationwide uproar, with leaders across political parties — including members of both UDA and ODM — condemning them as insensitive and disrespectful.
Kahiga’s move to resign comes as Kenyans continue to mourn the passing of Raila Odinga, whose death has united the country in grief and reflection.
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