Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has issued a public apology following widespread outrage over remarks he made concerning the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The governor clarified that his words were taken out of context and were not intended to celebrate the opposition leader’s passing.
Speaking on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, Kahiga explained that his statement, “God takes the best,” was meant to reflect on leadership and governance under the current administration rather than on the death of the late Raila Odinga.
He said the viral clip that sparked public anger had been taken out of context, noting it was recorded during a burial in his home village. “The loss of the Right Honourable former Prime Minister Raila Odinga sent everyone back to the drawing board. It is in this context that I made those remarks in vernacular,” Kahiga said.
The governor apologised to the Odinga family, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) fraternity, the Luo community, and all Kenyans who were hurt by his remarks. “From the very onset, I want to sincerely apologise to our mourning nation, to the family of the late Raila Molo Odinga—Mama Ida, her children Rosemary, Junior, and Winnie, Senator Oburu Odinga, MP Ruth Odinga, and the larger extended family—for any harm my words have elicited,” he said.
Kahiga also extended his apology to leaders across the political divide and emphasised that his comments were personal, not representative of his community or political affiliations.
Acknowledging the sensitivity of the matter, Kahiga announced that he would step down as Vice Chair of the Council of Governors (CoG) with immediate effect. “I am taking responsibility for the real and perceived meaning of my remarks. As I do this, I pray that the soul of the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga continues to rest in eternal peace. God bless Kenya,” he stated.
His apology follows days of condemnation from leaders and citizens across the country.
