Kenya, 22 October 2025 - The Council of Governors (CoG) has convened a meeting to discuss and deliberate on Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga's utterences which it deems as lacking respect to the fallen hero Rt Hon Raila Amolo Odinga, who was buried on Sunday, following his demise last week while he was undergoing treatment in India.
Governor Kahiga while in a funeral in Kieni, in his native Kikuyu language, allegedly said that that the Mt Kenya region had been denied development at the expense of Nyanza region, where Odinga hailed from, and that now that he is dead, "even the head of state has been drawn back to the drawing board."
The CoG Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi, who is also the Governor of Wajir County, said all the other governors dissassociate themselves from Mr Kahiga's unfortunate remarks.
"It is inhumane and unacceptable to celebrate his death on account of perceived political calculations. H.E Rt Hon Raila Odinga, was and will forever remain a Statesman whose contributions are emmbedded in the annals of our Country's history," said Governor Abdullahi.
He added that Odinga championed for devolution and supported it fully.
Odinga's party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), also issued a statement condemning Kahiga's remarks.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir said Odinga in life was a unifying figure who should be celebrated and that his party had resolved to jealously guard his legacy.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru said remarks by her Nyeri counterpart are his own opinion and they do not reflect the views of the Mt Kenya people.
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire and the Chairperson of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, called the remarks “reckless and profoundly disrespectful”.
She said at the time when Kenya is mourning, such statements are careless and unacceptable.
"Governor Kahiga should issue a public apology immediately,” Ms Mbarire said in a statement released on her social media page.
