The government has welcomed Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s resignation as Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG), following public outrage over his controversial remarks about the late Raila Odinga.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, in a statement on Wednesday, described Kahiga’s utterances as regrettable and urged relevant authorities to take firm action against leaders who propagate hate speech.
“We take note and welcome the resignation of the Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga as the Vice Chairman of the Council of Governors,” Mwaura said. “We urge NCIC and DCI to take stern action against any leader found fanning division and ethnic animosity, as per the Constitution and the National Cohesion and Integration Act.”
Mwaura reaffirmed President William Ruto’s commitment to ensuring equitable distribution of resources across all counties, urging leaders to avoid divisive rhetoric during this period of national mourning.
“President Ruto ensures that every county gets its rightful share. Leaders must restrain from using the language of hate, especially at this time of grief,” he added.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and the United Opposition also distanced themselves from Kahiga’s sentiments, terming them as hate speech capable of inciting ethnic tensions.
“Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s sentiments broadcast across all mediums yesterday, October 21, 2025, are HIS,” read a statement by United Opposition Spokesperson Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi. “He is not a member of the United Opposition or any party under our umbrella. He was elected on the UDA Party ticket.”
Dr. Kituyi called on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party to publicly condemn the remarks. “Governor Kahiga’s despicable sentiments should, in one accord, be wholly condemned by all Kenyans—starting with his UDA Party Leader, President William Ruto, Party Chairperson Cecily Mbarire, and Secretary General Senator Hassan Omar,” he stated.
The opposition also urged the CoG to take stronger action against Kahiga, saying his apology and resignation were not enough. “The CoG should, in the public interest, act swiftly and censure the Nyeri Governor for his clearly stage-managed comments designed to ignite an ethnic war,” Kituyi added.
He further challenged Kahiga to reveal those who allegedly influenced his remarks. “Governor Kahiga should expose the individuals who are seemingly hell-bent on igniting a tribal war between our Luo and Kikuyu brothers. Such an act must be considered treason against the people of the Republic of Kenya,” he said.
Earlier on Wednesday, the CoG confirmed that Kahiga had been ousted from his vice chair position following an emergency meeting in Nairobi.
“We wish to reiterate our deep disappointment in the governor. We condemn these utterances, which were both untimely and unacceptable—especially during this period of national mourning,” said CoG Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi.
Abdullahi clarified that Kahiga’s remarks were personal and did not represent the position of the Council. He also announced that a new vice chairperson would be elected soon. “The CoG extends its sincere apologies to the family of the late Odinga on behalf of the 47 counties, as we continue to mourn together with them,” he said.
The controversy began after a viral video showed Kahiga making remarks at a burial in Nyeri, implying that Odinga’s death was “God’s plan” to redirect state resources to the Mt Kenya region.
“You guys can see what had been planned, but God brought something up. We did not harbor hate for anyone, but God came through for us,” Kahiga said in Kikuyu. “The plan that had been hatched was probably to throw us out, but God came through in His own way.”
Following intense criticism, Kahiga issued an apology and announced his resignation from the CoG position. “I want to apologize to the family, the larger ODM, my colleagues, and those in the Nyanza region. My remarks are personal and not those of the people of Nyeri or the Council of Governors,” he said.
His remarks have drawn widespread condemnation, with East African Community Principal Secretary Dr. Caroline Karugu describing them as “silly and deeply unfortunate,” while Homa Bay Governor and ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga termed them “primitive, insensitive, and insulting.”
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