Council of Governors appoints Tharaka Nithi’s Muthomi Njuki new vice chair after Governor Kahiga’s resignation over controversial remarks

The Council of Governors has appointed Tharaka Nithi Governor Onesmus Muthomi Njuki as its new vice chair, filling the leadership gap left by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, who stepped down last month after public uproar over remarks he made regarding the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Njuki, who has been serving as the council’s Chief Whip since October, takes up the role with immediate effect. He previously chaired the CoG Health Committee and has been actively involved in county-level health reforms, giving him a strong profile within the council’s leadership structure.

The leadership changes come weeks after Kahiga faced heavy criticism when a video surfaced showing him making comments that were widely interpreted as celebratory following Raila’s death. Although he later apologized, insisting his remarks were taken out of context, a vote of no confidence was passed against him, prompting both his resignation and formal removal from the position.

CoG Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi of Wajir convened an emergency meeting soon after the incident, where governors unanimously resolved to replace Kahiga in order to preserve the council’s credibility and cohesion.

Alongside Njuki’s appointment, Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi has taken over as Chief Whip, replacing Njuki in the reshuffled lineup. Cheboi is expected to play a key role in strengthening coordination within the council as it navigates a politically sensitive period.

Njuki’s elevation is seen as an effort to stabilise the council’s leadership and refocus its agenda on county governance, resource mobilisation and intergovernmental relations.

The CoG is expected to hold a subsequent meeting to determine whether further disciplinary action will be taken against Kahiga.