Kahiga resigns as CoG vice-chair after backlash from his remarks on Raila’s death
By Joel Masibo, October 22, 2025Nyeri County Governor Mutahi Kahiga has resigned from his position as the Council of Governors Deputy Chairperson following his widespread remarks over the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga made on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at a burial in Nyeri.
In a video clip, Mutahi Kahiga, while speaking in his native Kikuyu language, appeared to be celebrating the death of the late ODM leader, asserting that his death is a blessing in disguise, designed to take back development projects to the Central region of Kenya.
Governor Kahiga was recorded telling mourners in Nyeri on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, that the time has come for the region to receive development, as Raila Odinga was the obstacle.
“You guys can see what had been planned, but God brought something up. Now it’s total confusion. We did not harbour hate for anyone, but God came through for us,” Kahiga said.
These utterances angered many, leaders alike, calling for his resignation from the CoG. Bowing to the pressure, Kahiga resigned from his roles on Wednesday morning, October 2, 2025, before seeking forgiveness from the Odinga family.
Also watch: ODM condemns Governor Kahiga over remarks on Raila Odinga’s death.
Kahiga apologises
”From the very onset, I want to sincerely apologise to our mourning nation, to the family of the Right Honourable former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga, Mama Ida, her children Rosemary, Junior and Winnie, Honourable Senator Oburu Odinga and Honourable MP Ruth Odinga, other siblings, the extended family, the ODM fraternity, the Luo nation and Kenyans at large,” Kahiga said in a press conference on Wednesday.
”The clip was taken while attending a burial in my home village, and my remarks were in no way celebratory. What I meant was that in the current broad-based government, we have seen skewed development. The loss of the former Prime Minister should send everyone back to the drawing board, as the popular saying goes, “God takes the best,” and it is in this context that I made those remarks in vernacular,” Kahiga added.
Resignation from CoG
The Nyeri County boss also said the utterances he made were personal.
”The remarks I made are personal views and should not in any way be associated with a community’s position or any political affiliation, nor the Council of Governors. Finally, noting the huge public interest that this issue has generated, I am taking responsibility for the real and perceived meaning of my remarks. And as a result, therefore, I have decided that with immediate effect, I am going to step down as the Vice Chair of the Council of Governors,” Kahiga said.
Meanwhile, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has strongly condemned Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga over his remarks, terming them regrettable for a public leader.