Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has resigned from his position as the Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors (COG) following widespread condemnation over remarks he made about the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Kahiga announced his resignation on Wednesday, a day after a viral video captured him appearing to celebrate Odinga’s death during a funeral in Nyeri.
In the video, Kahiga, speaking in the Kikuyu dialect, claimed that the political alliance between President William Ruto and Raila Odinga had shifted government development priorities toward the Nyanza region, denying the Mt. Kenya bloc a fair share of national resources.
He went on to suggest that Raila’s death had “levelled the political playing field,” forcing the ruling coalition and other leaders to rethink their 2027 election strategies.
“You can see what had been planned, but God brought something up. Now there is total confusion,” Kahiga was heard saying during the funeral.
The remarks triggered public outrage and sharp criticism from leaders across the political divide, who termed them insensitive and divisive, especially as the nation continues to mourn Odinga.
On Wednesday, Kahiga issued a public apology, distancing his comments from the Nyeri people and the Council of Governors.
“I want to apologize to the family, the larger ODM fraternity, my colleagues, and all in the Nyanza region,” he said.
“My remarks were personal and not representative of the people of Nyeri or the Council of Governors. I am taking responsibility and resigning with immediate effect as the Vice Chair of the Council of Governors.”
Kahiga was elected to the COG leadership position on October 6, 2025. His resignation comes amid mounting pressure from political leaders, civil society groups, and Kenyans online demanding accountability for his remarks.
The Council of Governors is yet to issue an official statement regarding the resignation, though insiders indicate that a replacement process will be initiated in the coming days.
