The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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The Council of Governors (CoG) has convened a special meeting to discuss what it described as “reckless and insensitive” remarks made by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, CoG Chairperson and Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi said the council was “deeply disappointed” by Kahiga’s comments, which appeared to suggest that Odinga’s death would unlock government resources for the Mt. Kenya region.
“As the Council of Governors, we completely distance ourselves from the sentiments made by Governor Mutahi Kahiga of Nyeri County. Those are his personal views and do not represent the position of the Council—especially during this period of national mourning,” Abdullahi stated.
He described Kahiga’s remarks as “reckless, insensitive, and inhumane,” condemning any attempt to politicize or celebrate the death of a national leader. Abdullahi praised Raila Odinga as a statesman and a key architect of Kenya’s devolution system, noting that his legacy went beyond politics.
“H.E. Raila Odinga will forever be remembered as a father of devolution and a defender of democracy. We as a nation owe him the utmost respect in life and in death,” Abdullahi added.
The CoG said the extraordinary meeting, scheduled for Wednesday morning, would deliberate on Kahiga’s utterances and decide on the appropriate action. A formal statement will be released after the session.
Governor Kahiga’s viral video sparked widespread outrage after he appeared to make celebratory remarks about Odinga’s death, drawing condemnation from leaders across the political spectrum and the public. Several governors have since disowned his comments, terming them disrespectful and unbecoming of a public leader.
Raila Odinga, Kenya’s longest-serving opposition leader and a champion of democracy, passed away earlier this month. He was buried at his home in Bondo, Siaya County, in a state funeral attended by President William Ruto and other national leaders.
The Council of Governors reiterated its commitment to upholding Odinga’s legacy and called for unity and respect as the nation mourns one of its most influential leaders.
