Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, resigned from his position as Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG) amidst a national outcry over comments he made regarding the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. His resignation came shortly after the CoG convened an urgent extraordinary meeting and unanimously voted for his removal, condemning his remarks as "untimely, reckless, and unspeakable."

The controversy erupted after Governor Kahiga's statements during a burial ceremony in Nyeri, where he allegedly suggested that Odinga's death was a "divine intervention" that disrupted political plans against the Mt Kenya region. A vernacular video clip of his comments circulated widely on social media, drawing sharp criticism from various political leaders and the public.

Historical and Political Context

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, while undergoing treatment in India, was a pivotal figure in Kenya's political landscape for over four decades. He championed constitutional reforms, playing a significant role in the reintroduction of multiparty politics in 1992 and the establishment of a devolved government system through the 2010 Constitution. Odinga's efforts were instrumental in decentralising power and ensuring more equitable resource distribution across the 47 counties.

His legacy is deeply intertwined with Kenya's democratic awakening, having endured imprisonment and political setbacks in his pursuit of a more just and inclusive governance structure. The Council of Governors, in its statement, acknowledged Odinga as the "architect and father of devolution" and its "key protector and ardent supporter."

Laws, Policy, and Governance

The CoG's swift action against Governor Kahiga underscores the importance of ethical conduct and respect among state officers, particularly during periods of national mourning. Article 73 (1) of the Kenyan Constitution, 2010, requires state officers to demonstrate respect for the people and bring honour to the nation and dignity to their office. Former Chief Justice David Maraga denounced Kahiga's remarks as abhorrent and a violation of this constitutional provision.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

CoG Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi, who is also the Governor of Wajir County, expressed the council's deep disappointment, stating that Kahiga's comments were his personal views and did not reflect the collective position of county chiefs. "It is inhumane and unacceptable to celebrate his death on account of perceived political calculations," Abdullahi said in a statement dated Tuesday, October 21, 2025. He emphasised that Odinga was a statesman whose contributions are embedded in Kenya's history.

In his apology and resignation statement on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, Governor Kahiga stated that his remarks were taken out of context and were not celebratory. He clarified that he meant the loss of Odinga would send everyone back to the drawing board politically and that under the current government, there had been skewed development. He apologised to Odinga's family, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) fraternity, the Luo nation, and Kenyans at large for any harm caused.

Leaders from Odinga's ODM party, including Deputy Party Leader Abdulswamad Nassir (Mombasa Governor) and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, strongly condemned Kahiga's remarks, calling them reckless, divisive, and shameful. Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru also stated that Kahiga's remarks were his own opinion and did not reflect the views of the Mt Kenya people.

Evidence/Data Box

• Date of Controversial Remarks: Tuesday, October 21, 2025, during a burial ceremony in Nyeri.
• CoG Statement Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025, dissociating from Kahiga's comments.
• Governor Kahiga's Resignation: Wednesday, October 22, 2025.
• CoG Leadership: Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi re-elected as Chairperson, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga retained as Vice Chairperson (prior to resignation) on Monday, October 6, 2025.
• Raila Odinga's Passing: Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in India.

Risks and Implications

Such divisive statements by public officials carry the risk of exacerbating ethnic tensions and undermining national unity, especially during sensitive periods of mourning. The CoG's swift disassociation and Kahiga's subsequent resignation highlight the potential for accountability and the importance of leaders upholding decorum and respect. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for political leaders to exercise restraint and promote cohesion, particularly given Kenya's history of political divisions.

Timeline and Next Steps

The Council of Governors had initially announced an urgent extraordinary meeting for Wednesday morning, October 22, 2025, to deliberate on the matter and issue a follow-up statement. Following Kahiga's resignation, the CoG unanimously voted for his removal as Vice Chairperson and indicated that another meeting would be convened to discuss further disciplinary action.

What to Watch

The focus will now be on the CoG's subsequent actions regarding any further disciplinary measures against Governor Kahiga. Additionally, the political discourse surrounding national unity and respect among leaders, particularly in the wake of Odinga's passing, will be closely watched. The process of electing a new Vice Chairperson for the Council of Governors will also be a key development.