- Governor Mutahi Kahiga faced nationwide backlash following his comments on the death of statesman Raila Odinga
- The Council of Governors distanced itself from the remarks and strongly condemned them, especially as they came out during the period of national mourning
- Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi explained the reasons for convening an extraordinary meeting following the controversial remarks
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
The Council of Governors (CoG) has called for an urgent meeting on Wednesday, October 22, following the remarks made by Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga after the death of former prime minister Raila Amolo Odinga.
Source: Facebook
Raila’s death, which came unexpectedly, plunged the country into deep mourning as Kenyans and global leaders paid tribute to a towering political figure and statesman.
The comments, which came amid the national mourning period and just days after Raila’s burial, drew widespread condemnation from both leaders and citizens alike.
Speaking during a funeral in Kieni on Tuesday, October 21, Kahiga made remarks that appeared to celebrate the former opposition leader’s death.
He suggested that Raila’s death was a divine intervention, as his existence ‘disrupted’ development plans in some regions, including Nyeri county.
Why was CoG offended by Kahiga’s remarks?
In a strongly worded statement, CoG chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi, who is deputised by Kahiga, expressed deep disappointment over the governor’s utterances, terming them ‘reckless, insensitive, sad, and unfortunate.’
“The Council of Governors wishes to disassociate itself in total with the sentiments of Governor Kahiga and notes that those are personal remarks that do not reflect or represent the views of the council, especially at this time of deep mourning,” Abdullahi said in a statement.
He further described it as ‘inhumane and unacceptable’ to celebrate the death of Raila based on perceived political considerations, adding that the late statesman’s legacy is deeply rooted in Kenya’s history.
Abdullahi went on to say that ‘Raila was and will forever remain a statesman whose contributions are embedded in the annals of Kenya’s history. He was not only the architect and father of devolution but also its key protector and ardent supporter.’
Abdullahi added that he had convened an urgent extraordinary meeting of the Council to deliberate on the matter.
“In light of the above, I have convened an urgent extraordinary council meeting to be held tomorrow morning to deliberate on these unfortunate utterances and further statement will follow,” he added.
Source: Facebook
What else should you know about Raila’s death?
Did UDA demand Kahiga apologise?
Meanwhile, UDA chairperson and Embu governor Cecily Mbarire condemned Kahiga’s remarks, calling them reckless and disrespectful.
She said the comments did not reflect the views of the Mt. Kenya region, which holds deep respect for the late leader.
While demanding Kahiga issue a public apology, Mbarire urged leaders to show empathy and unity during the national mourning period.
Proofreading by Nancy Odindo, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
