The Council of Governors (CoG) has called for an extraordinary meeting following the shocking remarks by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga on the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Kahiga’s statements, which many have termed as insensitive and provocative, have drawn widespread condemnation from both the public and senior government officials.
Speaking in Kikuyu during a public event, the governor claimed that Odinga’s death was a “blessing in disguise” for the Mt. Kenya region. He suggested that the government could now redirect national resources from Nyanza to Central Kenya. The remarks have been widely criticized as divisive, disrespectful, and unbefitting of a senior county leader.
Kahiga made the controversial remarks on Tuesday evening during a burial ceremony in Laikipia County. His comments were captured on video and quickly circulated online, igniting a wave of public outrage.
Mutahi Kahiga’s Remarks Cause National Outrage
In his speech, Kahiga stated that Odinga’s political partnership with President William Ruto had shifted government benefits toward Nyanza at the expense of other regions.
“You can see what had been planned, but God brought something up. Now it’s total confusion. Everybody can see that. We did not harbour hate for anyone, but God came through for us,” Kahiga said.
He went on to claim that “all goodies were being directed” to Nyanza because of political plans that excluded Central Kenya. “God came and brought this thing,” he added, referring to Odinga’s death.
His words were immediately condemned by political leaders across the country. Members of the Cabinet, fellow governors, and Kenyans online accused Kahiga of showing no respect for the dead and of attempting to use tragedy for political mileage.
Several leaders reminded the governor that Raila Odinga, despite political differences, had dedicated his life to the fight for democracy and justice in Kenya. They described his death as a national loss, not a regional victory.
Council of Governors Disowns Mutahi Kahiga
In a statement released on Tuesday evening, the Council of Governors distanced itself from Kahiga’s remarks, terming them “reckless, insensitive, sad and unfortunate.”
The CoG Chairperson, Ahmed Abdullahi, announced that an urgent extraordinary meeting would be held on Wednesday, October 22, to deliberate on possible disciplinary actions against Kahiga.
“In light of the above, I have convened an urgent Extra-Ordinary Council Meeting to be held tomorrow morning to deliberate on these unfortunate utterances, and further statements will follow,” Abdullahi said.
The Council expressed deep respect for Raila Odinga, describing him as a statesman whose impact would forever remain in Kenya’s history.
“It is inhumane and unacceptable to celebrate his death on account of perceived political calculations. Raila Odinga was and will forever remain a Statesman whose contributions are embedded in the annals of our country’s history,” the statement read.
The CoG clarified that Kahiga’s remarks were personal and did not represent the collective views of the Council or the county leadership.
Political Leaders Demand Accountability from Mutahi Kahiga
Pressure is now mounting on Governor Mutahi Kahiga to apologize publicly and face disciplinary measures. Leaders from both the government and opposition have called for his immediate censure, arguing that his remarks risk inflaming ethnic tensions at a sensitive moment for the country.
Former governors, MPs, and civil society groups have also weighed in, urging political leaders to promote unity rather than division.
Political analysts say the controversy could isolate Kahiga within the Mt Kenya leadership and damage his standing ahead of future elections. Others argue that the Council’s swift response shows a growing intolerance for reckless political rhetoric in Kenya.
The extraordinary CoG meeting is expected to issue a formal statement outlining the Council’s position and any actions to be taken against Kahiga.
As the country continues to mourn the death of Raila Odinga, many Kenyans are urging leaders to demonstrate maturity, empathy, and national unity. The ongoing backlash against Kahiga reflects a broader sentiment that political competition should never override respect for human life.
