The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has launched the process of summoning Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga following his controversial remarks about the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
In a statement, NCIC Chairperson Dr. Samuel Kobia condemned the governor’s comments, describing them as “reckless, insensitive, and deeply hurtful.”
“The NCIC has initiated a process towards summoning Governor Kahiga to make a statement about his remarks. Meanwhile, we call upon the governor to make an unreserved public apology to the people of Kenya for his utterances,” Kobia said.
He further commended the Council of Governors (CoG) for distancing itself from the statements.
Meanwhile, the government has welcomed Kahiga’s resignation as the Vice Chairperson of the CoG, following public outrage over his remarks.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, in a statement issued on Wednesday, described the governor’s words as “regrettable” and called for firm action against leaders who promote hate speech.
“We take note and welcome the resignation of Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga as the Vice Chairman of the Council of Governors,” Mwaura stated. “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 equitable distribution of national resources across all counties, urging leaders to embrace unity and avoid divisive rhetoric during the 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, labeling them as hate speech capable of igniting 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 urged the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to condemn Kahiga’s remarks publicly. “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 said.
The opposition also demanded that the CoG take stronger disciplinary measures against Kahiga, insisting that his apology and resignation were insufficient. “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 name the individuals who may have influenced his comments. “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 after 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.
He clarified that Kahiga’s comments were personal and did not reflect the position of the CoG. Abdullahi 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 stated.
The controversy erupted after a viral video showed Governor 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 the backlash, Kahiga issued an apology and announced his resignation from the CoG leadership. “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 comments have since 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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