Governor Mutahi Kahiga Resigns from CoG Leadership After Public Backlash

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga at his office shortly after announcing his resignation as Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors, following public uproar over remarks he made about the late Raila Odinga.

 Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has resigned as the Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors following widespread outrage over remarks he made about the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. His resignation came after intense criticism from leaders and citizens who accused him of making insensitive and divisive comments during a time of national mourning.

The controversy began after a video surfaced showing Governor Kahiga speaking in Kikuyu during a burial ceremony, where he appeared to suggest that Raila Odinga’s death was a divine intervention that would redirect government development focus back to the Mt. Kenya region. The remarks were met with anger and disbelief across the country, with many interpreting them as disrespectful to Odinga’s legacy and to the Luo community.

Amid the uproar, Kahiga released a statement on October 22, 2025, announcing that he had stepped down with immediate effect. He said he was taking responsibility for the interpretation and pain caused by his remarks, clarifying that his comments were his personal views and did not represent the Council of Governors, his political allies, or the people of Nyeri County. “I hereby step down with immediate effect as the Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors to take full responsibility for the interpretation and pain my comments have caused,” he said.

His decision came after calls for his resignation from leaders across the political divide, including the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Chairperson Gladys Wanga, who condemned his comments as unbecoming of a national leader. The Council of Governors later confirmed that a vote of no confidence had been passed against Kahiga and that plans were underway to elect a new vice chairperson.

Following the backlash, Kahiga issued a public apology to the family of Raila Odinga, the Luo community, and all Kenyans, expressing deep regret for the harm his words caused.

“I sincerely apologise to the family of the late Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga, the Luo Nation, and all Kenyans who were hurt by my words. I did not intend to cause harm or disrespect during this difficult time,”

he said, adding that he respected Odinga’s immense contribution to Kenya’s democracy.

Kahiga’s resignation has sparked national reflection on responsible leadership, ethnic unity, and sensitivity in public speech. The incident underscores how public figures are increasingly being held accountable for their words and actions, particularly when they touch on issues of ethnicity and national unity. While Kahiga will continue serving as Governor of Nyeri County, his national profile has been significantly affected, and his political future may now face new challenges.

As the Council of Governors prepares to elect a new vice chair, the episode serves as a stark reminder that in moments of grief and national reflection, words from leaders carry weight and the cost of insensitivity can be political as well as personal.

Reporting by: Babz Abdul Raheem N.
Date: October 20, 2025