NAIROBI, Kenya – The Council of Governors (CoG) has convened an emergency meeting to discuss what it termed “reckless and insensitive” remarks made by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.
In a statement on Tuesday, CoG Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi, who also serves as Wajir Governor, said the council was “deeply disappointed” by Kahiga’s comments, which have sparked outrage across the country.
A video widely shared online appeared to show Governor Kahiga suggesting that Raila’s death would “free up government resources” for the Mt Kenya region — a statement many Kenyans described as celebratory and disrespectful.
“As the Council of Governors, we wish to disassociate in toto with the sentiments of Governor Mutahi Kahiga and note that those are personal remarks that do not reflect or represent the views of the Council—especially at this time of deep mourning,” Abdullahi said.
Council of Governors Press Statement on the unfortunate utterances by the Governor of Nyeri County following the demise of the Rt Hon. Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, CGH.
He condemned the remarks as “reckless, insensitive, sad, and unfortunate,” adding that it was “inhumane and unacceptable to celebrate his death on account of perceived political calculations.”
Abdullahi described the late Raila Odinga as a statesman whose influence went far beyond politics.
“H.E. Raila Odinga was and will forever remain a statesman whose contributions are embedded in the annals of our country’s history. He was not only the architect and father of devolution but also its key protector and ardent supporter,” he added.
The CoG chair noted that Raila’s legacy “transcended politics,” calling him “a father, a husband, a grandfather, a brother, and many things to many people.”
“We as a nation owe him immense respect—both in life and in death,” Abdullahi said.
The council has scheduled a special sitting for Wednesday morning to deliberate on Kahiga’s comments and determine what action to take. A follow-up statement is expected after the meeting.
Governor Kahiga’s comments have drawn widespread criticism from both county and national leaders, who said his words were unbecoming of a public servant at a time when the nation is mourning one of its foremost political icons.
Raila Odinga, Kenya’s longest-serving opposition leader and a central figure in the country’s pro-democracy movement, died earlier this month.
He was laid to rest at his Bondo home in Siaya County during a state funeral attended by President William Ruto, top government officials, and thousands of mourners.
The CoG has in the past hailed Raila as one of the chief architects and defenders of Kenya’s devolved governance system under the 2010 Constitution.
Abdullahi reaffirmed that the council would continue to honour Raila’s contribution to Kenya’s democracy and unity.
“This is a time for the country to come together, not to divide along political lines,” the CoG chair said.
