The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has dismissed reports circulating online claiming that Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga was summoned to record a statement over his remarks regarding the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

In a statement on Tuesday, October 22, the Commission flagged the viral poster alleging Kahiga’s summons as “FAKE.”

NCIC clarified that it has not issued any formal communication requiring the governor to appear before it.

The fake notice had suggested that the governor was being investigated for comments allegedly made at a funeral in Nyeri County, which purportedly risked inciting ethnic tensions and undermining national cohesion.

It further alleged that Kahiga was expected to explain utterances captured in a viral vernacular clip that drew widespread criticism from the public and political leaders alike.

Also Read: Mutahi Kahiga’s Remarks on Raila’s Death Trigger Emergency Governors’ Meeting

Kahiga Issues Public Apology

Following the controversy, Governor Mutahi Kahiga issued an official statement through the Government of Nyeri on October 22, 2025, where he tendered a public apology to Kenyans over the remarks.

“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… the ODM fraternity, the Luo Nation, and Kenyans at large,” Kahiga said.

He clarified that his comments were taken out of context, explaining that they were made during a burial in his home village.

According to the governor, his statements were not meant to be celebratory but to reflect on the political and developmental shifts following the loss of the veteran opposition leader.

“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,” he stated.

Kahiga further emphasized that the sentiments expressed were his personal views and should not be construed as representing the position of any community, political group, or the Council of Governors (COG).

Also Read: Court Issues New Directives on National Police Recruitment

Steps Down as COG Vice Chairperson

Acknowledging the uproar his comments had caused, Governor Kahiga announced his resignation as the Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors, citing moral responsibility and respect for public sentiment.

“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,” he said.

The Nyeri Governor concluded his statement by extending condolences to the Odinga family, praying for the late Raila Odinga’s soul to rest in peace.

“May the soul of the Rt. Hon Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga continue resting in eternal peace. God bless Kenya,” Kahiga wrote.

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga speaking during the burial ceremony in Keini Constituency where he openly celebrated the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. PHOTO/Kahiga Facebook.