- Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has resigned following backlash after he appeared to ‘celebrate’ the death of Raila Odinga.
- His resignation comes at a time when the CoG was set to discuss on the issue.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has resigned from his position as the vice chairperson of the Council of Governors after he made remarks that the death of Odinga was a new lease of life for a certain community.
The remarks caused a public uproar especially coming at a time when Odinga had just been buried.
Kahiga has apologised to the Odinga family and said his sentiments were taken out of contest.
“What I meant is that under the broad-based government, we have skilled development and politically, the loss of Raila sends everyone back to the drawing board, as the popular goes, God takes the best, and it is in this context that I made those remarks in vernacular,” he said.
“I want to sincerely apologise to our morning nation, to the family of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Mama Ida, her children Rosemary, Junior and Winnie, Senator Oburu Oginga, Ruth Odinga, other siblings, the larger extended family, the ODM fraternity, the Luo nation and the Kenyans at large, and to my colleague leaders from all sides of the political divide for any harm it has elicited,” he added.
While taking responsibility for his utterance, he added that what he said was his own opinion and in now way should it be used to reflect the collective views of his community.
“In noting the huge public interests that this issue has generated, I am taking responsibility of the real and perceived meaning of my remarks and as a result therefore, I have decided that with immediate effect I am going to step down as the Vice chair of the Council of Governors and as I do that I also pray that the soul of the Raila Odinga continue resting in peace.”