The Council of Governors (CoG) has called an emergency meeting following controversial remarks made by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga regarding the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.

In a strongly worded statement issued on October 21, 2025, the council, chaired by Mandera Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, described Kahiga’s utterances as “reckless, insensitive, sad, and unfortunate.”

The statement titled “Press Statement on the Unfortunate Utterances by the Governor of Nyeri County Following the Demise of the Late Rt. Hon. Prime Minister, H.E. Raila Amolo Odinga, C.G.H.” expressed the council’s disappointment and disapproval of Kahiga’s comments, which have sparked nationwide outrage.

Council Disowns Kahiga’s Remarks

“The Council of Governors registers its deep disappointment on the unfortunate utterances by Governor Kahiga Mutahi of Nyeri County,” the statement read in part.

The council went on to distance itself entirely from the remarks, saying they were personal and did not reflect the collective views of Kenya’s 47 governors.

“As the Council of Governors, we wish to disassociate in toto 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,” the statement added.

Governor Abdullahi emphasized that celebrating the death of a national figure for political reasons was unacceptable, especially considering Odinga’s historical role in shaping Kenya’s democracy and devolution.

“It is inhumane and unacceptable to celebrate his death on account of perceived political calculations,” he said.

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Raila Remembered as Devolution’s Architect

The CoG paid glowing tribute to the late Raila Odinga, describing him as a statesman and the father of devolution.

“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,” read part of the statement.

“He was not only the architect and father of Devolution but its key protector and ardent supporter,” the statement added.

The council further acknowledged Odinga’s personal and national impact, noting that his life touched countless Kenyans across political divides.

“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,” it added.

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Emergency Meeting to Address Fallout

In light of the controversy, Chairman Abdullahi announced that he had convened an extraordinary meeting of the Council of Governors to deliberate on the issue and determine the appropriate course of action.

“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 a further statement will follow,” Abdullahi stated.

The council, comprising all 48 county governments, reaffirmed its unity under the slogan “48 Governments, 1 Nation.”

Governor Kahiga has faced growing backlash from leaders, citizens, and social media users who have condemned his remarks as divisive and disrespectful during a national period of mourning.

The late Raila Odinga, widely recognized for his lifelong contribution to Kenya’s democracy and governance, continues to receive tributes from both allies and former rivals across the political spectrum.

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