The Council of Governors (CoG) has called an urgent extraordinary meeting to address the growing controversy surrounding remarks made by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga over the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
In a statement on Tuesday, CoG Chair Ahmed Abdullahi said the council strongly disassociates itself from Kahiga’s comments, terming them as his personal opinions that do not represent the collective position of county governors.
“In light of the above, I have convened an urgent Extraordinary Council Meeting to be held tomorrow morning to deliberate on these unfortunate utterances, after which a further statement will follow,” Abdullahi said.
Kahiga, who serves as CoG Vice-Chair, has faced widespread condemnation after a video surfaced showing him referring to Raila’s death as “an answered prayer” for the Mt. Kenya region, suggesting that government resources had been diverted to Nyanza at the expense of Kikuyu areas.
Leaders from across the political divide including ODM’s Abdulswamad Nassir and James Orengo, as well as Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, and Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui denounced Kahiga’s remarks as reckless, tribal, and disrespectful during a period of national mourning.
Kinyanjui said the statement “reflects a narrow mindset that thrives on isolation as a survival strategy” and fails to capture the national mood of grief.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga also weighed in, calling the remarks “abhorrent” and a violation of the principles of leadership outlined in Article 73 of the Constitution, which requires public officers to uphold honor, respect, and dignity in their service.
The extraordinary CoG meeting is expected to deliberate on the appropriate disciplinary action against Governor Kahiga and issue a formal position on the matter.
 has called an urgent extraordinary meeting to address the growing controversy surrounding remarks made by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga over the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.){kind=link}