Governors kick out Mutahi Kahiga as CoG Vice-Chair over remarks on Raila's death
Council of Governors Chairperson, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdulahi (centre) with governors Muthoki Njumi (Tharaka Nithi)--left--and Dr Erick Mutai (Kericho) during a meeting that resolved to remove Mutahi Kahiga as Vice Chairperson. Other governors attended virtually. Photo/CoG
The Council of Governors (CoG) has voted to remove Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga from his position as vice chair following remarks he made in his local Kikuyu language, allegedly celebrating the death of ODM leader Raila Odinga.
In a special meeting held at the council’s headquarters, chaired by Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi and attended in person by Tharaka Nithi’s Muthomi Njuki and Kericho’s Dr Eric Mutai--with others joining virtually--the governors unanimously passed a motion of no confidence in Mr Kahiga.
Governor Abdullahi said the remarks were “deeply regrettable and do not reflect the values of the Council of Governors.”
“The Council of Governors stands for unity, respect and responsible leadership. The sentiments by Governor Kahiga were unfortunate and not in any way representative of our forum,” he said.
He added that the council had officially reached out to Odinga’s family to convey its condolences and distance itself from Kahiga’s statement.
Meanwhile, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned Governor Kahiga to appear before it to explain his remarks.
In a statement dated October 22, 2025, NCIC Chairperson Samuel Kobia said the Commission views the governor’s statements as “potentially divisive and ethnically charged," contrary to Sections 13(1)(a) and 62 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act.
“The NCIC will not hesitate to take firm and lawful action against any individual, regardless of rank or political affiliation, whose conduct undermines national cohesion,” Dr Kobia stated.
The United Opposition, through a statement signed by Dr Mukhisa Kituyi, also condemned the remarks, describing them as “the very definition of hate speech.”
Dr Kituyi said Kahiga’s apology was “hurriedly scripted” and demanded that President William Ruto, UDA Chairperson Ms Cecily Mbarire and Secretary General Senator Hassan Omar publicly apologise on behalf of the party.
