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Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has publicly apologized for his controversial remarks made following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and announced his resignation as the vice chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG).
Speaking during a press conference on Wednesday, Governor Kahiga expressed remorse for his comments, which sparked nationwide outrage and condemnation from both the public and political leaders.
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“I wish to extend my sincere apologies to the family of the late Raila Odinga, the larger ODM fraternity, my colleagues, and the people of the greater Nyanza region,” Kahiga said. “My remarks were personal and do not reflect the views of the people of Nyeri or the Council of Governors.”
The Nyeri governor admitted that his words were inappropriate, saying he took full responsibility for his actions.
“I am taking responsibility and resigning with immediate effect as the vice chair of the Council of Governors,” he stated.
His apology and resignation come just hours after the Council of Governors convened an extraordinary meeting to deliberate on what it termed as Kahiga’s “reckless and insensitive” remarks.
In a viral video recorded earlier this week, Kahiga appeared to suggest that the death of Raila Odinga would free up government resources for the Mt. Kenya region—a statement that drew harsh criticism from leaders across the political divide.
CoG Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi had earlier disowned the remarks, emphasizing that they did not represent the council’s position, particularly during a period of national mourning for the late statesman.
Kahiga’s decision to step down from his CoG leadership role is seen as an attempt to ease tensions and restore calm amid widespread backlash.
The late Raila Odinga, Kenya’s longest-serving opposition leader and one of the country’s foremost champions of democracy and devolution, was buried last week at his Bondo home in Siaya County in a state funeral attended by thousands, including President William Ruto.
