CoG Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi (on Mic) with Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthoni Njuki. Photo by CoG 
By Ryan Mumo
The Council of Governors (CoG) has moved swiftly to remove Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga from his position as Vice Chairperson following his controversial remarks about the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga.
In a special meeting convened on Wednesday, CoG Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi announced that the council had reached a unanimous decision to relieve Governor Kahiga of his leadership role, describing his comments as personal, insensitive, and not reflective of the council’s position.
“We have convened a special meeting to deliberate on the remarks made by Hon. Mutahi Kahiga, the Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors. We condemn the remarks and disassociate ourselves from them, as they were purely personal,” said Abdullahi.
He added that the council had passed a vote of no confidence in Governor Kahiga, and a subsequent meeting would be held soon to elect a new Vice Chairperson.
“The council has unanimously decided to remove him from the leadership of the council with immediate effect. Another meeting will be convened to elect his replacement,” Abdullahi stated.
The CoG chairperson went on to extend the council’s deepest apologies to the family of the late Raila Odinga, describing the former Prime Minister as a revered national leader whose contribution to Kenya’s democracy remains unmatched.
“On behalf of the 47 county governments of Kenya, we extend our sincere apologies to the family of His Excellency Hon. Raila Odinga CGH for the unfortunate remarks made by Mutahi Kahiga. We continue to mourn with the family during this difficult time and express our solidarity, respect, and support to them,” he said.
Abdullahi also urged political leaders to exercise restraint and mindfulness in their public utterances, reminding them of their responsibility to uphold the national values and principles of good governance as enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya.
“As leaders, we must be guided by decency, empathy, and the spirit of unity that binds this nation together,” he emphasized.
The statement by the Council comes amid growing public outrage over Kahiga’s remarks, which many Kenyans viewed as disrespectful and divisive.
Concluding his address, Abdullahi joined the nation in mourning the former Prime Minister, saying, “May the soul of the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga CGH continue resting in eternal peace.”
