Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has resigned as the Vice Chairman of the Council of Governors (COG).

In a statement, Kahiga addressed the viral clip circulating on social media, capturing him saying the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is a blessing.

“Finally, in noting the huge public interest 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 to step down as the Vice Chair of the Council of Governors,” Kahiga said.

Kahiga apologized to the mourning nation and the Odinga family for his remarks

“I want to take this moment to address issues that have emanated from a vernacular clip that is circulating in social media. From the very onset, I want to sincerely apologize to our mourning nation, to the family of the Rt. Hon Former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga; Mama Ida Odinga, her children Rosemary, Junior and Winnie, Hon. Senator Oburu Odinga and Hon. MP Ruth Odinga and other siblings and the larger extended family, the ODM fraternity, the Luo Nation and Kenyans at large, and to my colleague leaders from all sides of the political divide for any harm that it has elicited,” he said.

Mutahi Kahiga Explains the Meaning of His Message

He explained that the clip was taken while attending a burial in my home village, and his remarks were in no way celebratory.

Kahiga stated that he meant that there has been skewed development under the broad-based government, and the loss of Raila meant that everyone has been sent to the drawing board.

“What I meant is that under the current broad-based government, we have seen skewed development and, politically, the loss of the Rt. Hon Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga sends everyone back to the drawing board. As the popular saying goes, ‘God takes the best and it is in this context that I made those remarks in vernacular,” he said.

“Let me make it clear that the remarks I made are my personal views and therefore should in no way be associated with a community’s position or any political affiliation, nor the Council of Governors .May the soul of the Rt. Hon Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga continue resting in eternal peace.”

Also Read: How Mutahi Kahiga Spent Big Mourning Raila Odinga Then Celebrated His Death

Council of Governors Meeting

Kahiga made the decision even as COG held a meeting on October 22, chaired by Wajir Governor and COG Chairman Ahmed Abdullahi.

This was after Kahiga was captured on video celebrating the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

In an earlier statement, Abdullahi condemned Kahiga, stating that COG registered its deep disappointment on the unfortunate utterances.

“As the Council of Governors, we wish to disassociate in total with the sentiments of Governor Kahiga and note that those are personal remarks that do not reflect or represent the views of the Council of Governors and especially at this time of deep mourning,” reads part of the statement.

Also Read: How Mutahi Kahiga Spent Big Mourning Raila Odinga Then Celebrated His Death

The COG notes that Kahiga’s comments are reckless, insensitive, sad, and unfortunate.

“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 embedded in the annals of our Country’s History. He was not only the architect and father of Devolution but its key protector and ardent supporter. He was a father, a husband, a grandfather, a brother, and many things to many people. We as a nation owe him immense respect both in life and in death,” the Council said.

COG Urgent Meeting

Abdullahi proceeded to announce that the COG leadership will convene an urgent meeting to discuss Kahiga’s comments.

“In light of the above, I have convened an urgent Extra-Ordinary Council Meeting to be held tomorrow morning to deliberate on these unfortunate utterances, and further statements will follow,” he said.

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Late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga with Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga. PHOTO/Kahiga Facebook.