Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, stepped down from his position as Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG) amid a national outcry over comments he made regarding the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Kahiga's remarks, delivered in Kikuyu during a funeral in his home county, were widely interpreted as celebrating Odinga's passing and suggesting it would redirect development to the Central region of Kenya.

In a widely circulated video, Governor Kahiga claimed that Odinga's death was a "blessing in disguise" for the Mt. Kenya region, asserting that the late Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader had been a hindrance to development in the area. He further suggested that a political arrangement between President William Ruto and Odinga had previously skewed government development priorities towards the Nyanza region.

National Outrage and Condemnation

The governor's assertions drew immediate and widespread condemnation from various political figures and the public. Lawyer Willis Otieno, a former Safina party leader, strongly criticised Kahiga, stating that the governor "thrives by spitting venom" and should focus on addressing Nyeri County's challenges rather than blaming other regions.

Otieno took to X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, questioning Kahiga's integrity and leadership. He argued that it was easier for the governor to "insult Raila than to explain why Nyeri's hospitals have no medicine, why farmers are sinking in debt, and why the youth are jobless."

The Council of Governors, through its Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi, expressed deep disappointment and dissociated itself from Kahiga's remarks in a statement released on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. The CoG termed the comments "reckless, insensitive, and inhumane," emphasising that they did not represent the council's collective views.

Following the backlash, the CoG convened an urgent extraordinary meeting on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, to deliberate on potential disciplinary actions against Governor Kahiga. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who chairs the ODM party, described Kahiga's comments as "primitive, insensitive and insulting" and called for his immediate resignation as CoG Vice Chair.

Kahiga's Apology and Resignation

In response to the mounting pressure, Governor Kahiga issued a statement on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, apologising to the Odinga family, the ODM fraternity, the Luo Nation, and Kenyans at large. He clarified that his remarks were personal and not intended to be celebratory, stating they were taken out of context. Kahiga explained that he meant the loss of Odinga sent everyone "back to the drawing board" politically.

He subsequently announced his immediate resignation as the Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors, taking responsibility for the "real and perceived meaning" of his comments.

Historical and Political Context

Raila Odinga, a prominent figure in Kenyan politics, passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in India, where he was undergoing treatment. He was laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County, in a state funeral that included full military honours. Odinga was widely regarded as a statesman and a key architect of devolution in Kenya.

The remarks by Governor Kahiga come at a sensitive time, as the nation mourns a leader who played a significant role in Kenya's democratic history. The incident highlights the persistent challenge of ethnic undertones in Kenyan politics, even during periods of national unity.

Laws, Policy, and Governance

Former Chief Justice David Maraga termed Kahiga's remarks abhorrent and a violation of Article 73(1) of the Kenyan Constitution, which requires state officers to demonstrate respect for the people and bring honour and dignity to their office.

Evidence/Data Box

• Date of Raila Odinga's Death: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
• Date of Raila Odinga's Burial: Sunday, October 19, 2025, in Bondo, Siaya County
• Date of CoG Statement Condemning Kahiga: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
• Date of Kahiga's Resignation: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
• Constitutional Article Cited: Article 73(1) on the conduct of state officers

Risks and Implications

The controversy risks inflaming ethnic tensions and undermining efforts towards national cohesion, particularly during a period of mourning. Such remarks from a public official can erode public trust in leadership and the spirit of devolution, which Odinga championed. Political analysts suggest the controversy could isolate Kahiga within the Mt. Kenya leadership and damage his standing in future elections.

What to Watch

The Council of Governors is expected to announce further actions following its extraordinary meeting. The political landscape in the Mt. Kenya region and the broader national political discourse will be closely watched for shifts in alliances and rhetoric in the wake of Odinga's death and Kahiga's controversial statements.