The Council of Governors (CoG) has called an extraordinary meeting to deliberate on what it termed as “reckless and insensitive remarks”
made by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga following the death of former Prime
Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.
In a statement released on Tuesday, CoG Chairperson Ahmed
Abdullahi, who is also the Governor of Wajir County, said the council had been
deeply disappointed by Governor Kahiga’s comments.
The comments by Kahiga appeared to suggest that the death of
former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will now “free” government resources for the
Mt Kenya region went viral.
“As the Council of Governors, we wish to disassociate in
toto with the sentiments of Governor Kahiga Mutahi of Nyeri County and note
that those are personal remarks that do not reflect or represent the views of
the Council of Governors—especially at this time of deep mourning,” Abdullahi
said.
The CoG chair described Kahiga’s remarks as “reckless,
insensitive, sad, and unfortunate,” adding that they were “inhumane and
unacceptable to celebrate his death on account of perceived political
calculations.”
“H.E. 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 also its key protector and
ardent supporter,” the statement read in part.
Governor Abdullahi noted that Raila’s legacy transcended
politics, describing him as “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,” Abdullahi added.
The CoG said the urgent meeting, scheduled for Wednesday
morning, will deliberate on Kahiga’s utterances and consider the appropriate
action to take. A further statement is expected after the meeting.
Governor Kahiga sparked outrage after he was captured in a
viral video appearing to make remarks perceived as celebratory over Raila
Odinga’s death, drawing sharp criticism from leaders across the political
divide and from Kenyans online.
Several county bosses and national leaders have since
distanced themselves from his comments, describing them as disrespectful and
unbecoming of a public leader at a time when the country is mourning a national
icon.
The late Raila Odinga, Kenya’s longest-serving opposition
leader and a key figure in the country’s struggle for democracy and devolution,
passed away earlier this month.
He was buried at his rural home in Bondo, Siaya County, in a
state funeral attended by thousands of mourners, including President William
Ruto and leaders from across the political spectrum.
The Council of Governors, which brings together the heads of
Kenya’s 47 county governments, has often recognized Raila as one of the chief
architects and defenders of the devolution system established under the 2010
Constitution.
Governor Abdullahi said the CoG would continue to honour
Raila’s contribution to Kenya’s democratic and governance journey, reaffirming
that respect and unity should guide the country during this period of mourning.
