Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has stepped down as the Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG) following strong public criticism over comments he made about the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
His resignation came just hours after the CoG, led by Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, convened an urgent meeting to discuss potential disciplinary action against him.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Kahiga offered a formal apology to the family of Raila Odinga, the ODM party, and Kenyans in general.
He acknowledged that his remarks were misunderstood and caused unnecessary distress at a time when the nation was mourning a prominent leader.
He specifically mentioned Raila Odinga’s widow, Mama Ida Odinga, his children, and other family members, expressing sincere regret for any hurt caused.
Kahiga sought to clarify his original message, insisting that he did not intend to celebrate the former Prime Minister’s death.
He explained that his comments were meant to highlight challenges faced by the Mount Kenya region under the current broad-based government and that Odinga’s passing would have political implications requiring a reassessment of the country’s development priorities.
Despite his clarification, the remarks were widely condemned.Taking responsibility for both the actual and perceived impact of his words, Kahiga decided to resign from his leadership role within the CoG.
He acknowledged the public interest and scrutiny surrounding his statements and emphasized that stepping down was necessary to maintain the integrity of the council.
In his own words, he expressed that this action was taken with immediate effect to address the controversy and allow the council to continue its work without distraction.
The controversy began when Kahiga, during a public address, described the late Odinga’s death as beneficial to the Mount Kenya region, claiming that the area had been disadvantaged under the broad-based government.
These comments triggered strong reactions from political leaders across the spectrum. Members of both the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) criticized Kahiga, calling his remarks inappropriate and insensitive.
The backlash highlighted the deep sensitivity around national figures and the expectations for responsible leadership in public discourse.
Kahiga’s resignation marks a significant moment in the ongoing discussions about political responsibility and public conduct in Kenya.
