The Council of Governors (CoG) has strongly condemned remarks made by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, describing them as “reckless, insensitive, and deeply unfortunate.”
In a statement issued on October 21, 2025, CoG Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi said the council was “deeply disappointed” by Governor Kahiga’s comments, terming them inhumane and unacceptable, especially during a period of national mourning.
Kahiga, who also serves as the Deputy Chairperson of the Council of Governors, sparked outrage after comments he made during a funeral appeared to celebrate Odinga’s death for political advantage.
“All goodies were being directed there because of tomorrow’s plans because it seemed like they did away with us but God came and brought this thing,” Kahiga said.
“So now people have been told to go back to the drawing board because the plan that was there was probably to throw us Kikuyus out. But who is God? Does he take ugali at somebody’s house or sleep in Kayole? He came through in his own way.”
The remarks drew swift backlash from across the political spectrum. Leaders, including some allied to Kahiga’s own faction, condemned his statements as disrespectful and politically tone-deaf. National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah joined opposition figures in rebuking the comments, saying they dishonored the legacy of a man revered across Kenya’s political history.
“The Council of Governors wishes to disassociate itself entirely from the sentiments of Governor Kahiga,” Abdullahi stated. “Those remarks are personal and do not reflect the views of the Council, especially during this period of deep national grief.”
Abdullahi praised the late Raila Odinga as a statesman and key architect of devolution, saying his contributions to Kenya’s democracy and governance remain unmatched. He announced that an urgent extraordinary meeting of the Council will be held to deliberate on the matter and chart the way forward.
