Mutahi Kahiga Resigns as CoG Vice Chair After Uproar Over Raila Death Remarks
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has resigned as Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG) following intense backlash over his controversial remarks on the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. His resignation came just hours after CoG Chair Ahmed Abdullahi called for an emergency meeting to address the matter.
“I Sincerely Apologise” — Kahiga Issues Emotional Statement
In a statement released Wednesday morning, Kahiga expressed regret and extended an apology to Raila’s family, ODM supporters, and Kenyans.
“I want to sincerely apologise to our mourning nation, to the family of the Rt. Hon Former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga; Mama Ida Odinga, her children Rosemary, Junior, and Winnie, Hon. Senator Oburu Odinga, and Hon. MP Ruth Odinga, the ODM fraternity, the Luo Nation, and Kenyans at large,” Kahiga said.
He clarified that his remarks were misunderstood and not meant to celebrate Raila’s death.
“My remarks were in no way celebratory. What I meant is that under the current broad-based government, we have seen skewed development and, politically, the loss of the Rt. Hon Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga sends everyone back to the drawing board,” he explained.
“I Take Full Responsibility” — Kahiga Steps Down
Kahiga said he was stepping down to take full responsibility for the hurt caused.
“In noting the huge public interest that this issue has generated, I am taking responsibility of the real and perceived meaning of my remarks and as a result therefore, I have decided that with immediate effect to step down as the Vice Chair of the Council of Governors,” his statement read.
His resignation followed widespread condemnation from leaders across political divides.
“Insensitive and Unacceptable” — CoG Reacts Swiftly
The Council of Governors held an emergency meeting and passed a vote of no confidence against Kahiga.
“The Council has resolved to remove Governor Mutahi Kahiga, having passed a vote of no confidence against him, and hereby removes him as the Vice Chair of the Council,” the CoG stated.
“We will convene another meeting in due time to discuss further disciplinary action against him.”
The council also issued a public apology to Raila’s family and Kenyans.
“Kahiga’s remarks are regrettable and inconsistent with the values of national unity and respect for the dead,” the statement read.
“A Nation Still Mourning” — Raila’s Legacy Reverberates
His comments were widely condemned as insensitive, especially during a period of national mourning.
Raila Odinga died on Wednesday, October 15, and was buried on Sunday, October 19, in Bondo, Siaya County.
ALSO READ: Council of Governors Calls Emergency Meeting After Kahiga’s Controversial Remarks on Raila’s Death
Mutahi Kahiga Resigns as CoG Vice Chair After Uproar Over Raila Death Remarks
