NYERI, Kenya – Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has resigned as vice chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG) following a public uproar over remarks he made appearing to celebrate the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Kahiga announced his resignation on Wednesday, a day after a video emerged showing him addressing mourners in Nyeri, where he suggested that Raila’s death had “levelled the political playing field.”
In his remarks delivered in Kikuyu, the governor claimed that the alliance between President William Ruto and the late opposition leader had shifted government development priorities toward the Nyanza region, sidelining Mt. Kenya counties.
“You can see what had been planned, but God brought something up. Now it’s total confusion,” Kahiga said in the clip. “We did not harbor hate for anyone, but God came through for us. The plan that was there was probably to throw us out—but who is God?”
The comments, which quickly went viral, drew sharp condemnation from political leaders and Kenyans online, many accusing Kahiga of insensitivity and disrespect toward Raila’s family and supporters.
In a press briefing on Wednesday, Kahiga apologized for the remarks and announced that he would step down from his CoG position with immediate effect.
“I want to apologize to the family of the late Raila Odinga, the ODM fraternity, my colleagues, and the people of Nyanza,” he said. “My remarks were personal and do not represent the people of Nyeri or the Council of Governors.”
“I am taking responsibility and resigning immediately as the vice chair of the Council of Governors,” he added.
Kahiga was elected CoG vice chair on October 6, 2025. His resignation comes amid heightened political tension following Raila Odinga’s state funeral last week, which drew national and international attention.
While apologizing, Kahiga said he regretted that his comments were misinterpreted and had caused distress. “It was never my intention to offend or disrespect anyone,” he said.
The Council of Governors has yet to issue a formal statement on his resignation.
