Governor Mutahi’s trail of controversies

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, who is currently facing public outrage over remarks made at a funeral that appeared to celebrate the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, is no stranger to controversy.

Earlier this year, Kahiga was forced to apologize to the Maasai community following a slur he made during a funeral in Laikipia County on February 10, 2025.

Speaking in his native Kikuyu language, the governor made remarks implying that men from the Maasai community walked without undergarments — a statement that sparked nationwide condemnation.

Kahiga was accused of using the remarks as an innuendo to highlight his political frustrations with the Kenya Kwanza government.

A day later, Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku demanded a public apology, describing the remarks as “unwarranted, unfortunate, unprovoked and demeaning.”

Kahiga later issued a statement expressing remorse, clarifying that his comments had been taken out of context and that he held deep respect for the Maa community.

“I’ve been informed that the comments have irked the Maa community, and I would like to send my apologies to anyone who I may have offended,” he said.

“We did not intend to offend, condemn or ridicule anyone.”

On February 19, 2025, Kahiga and his Laikipia counterpart Joshua Irungu led a delegation of Kikuyu Council of Elders to Kajiado to deliver a formal apology to the Maa leadership.

Governor Lenku acknowledged the gesture, saying it helped mend ties between the two communities.

Months later, Kahiga has once again found himself at the center of public criticism — this time over a vernacular clip circulating on social media in which he was accused of making celebratory comments following Raila Odinga’s death.

The remarks were widely condemned across the political divide, prompting the governor to issue a statement on October 22, 2025, apologizing to the Odinga family and the nation.

In the statement, Kahiga said:

“From the very onset, I want to sincerely apologize to our mourning nation, to the family of the Rt. Hon. Former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, Mama Ida Odinga, and to Kenyans at large for any harm that my remarks have elicited.”

He explained that his comments were not celebratory but were meant to reflect on Kenya’s political transition, saying,

“What I meant is that under the current broad-based government, we have seen skewed development and politically, the loss of the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga sends everyone back to the drawing board.”

Kahiga further clarified that the comments represented his personal views and were not reflective of the Council of Governors or any political affiliation.

Acknowledging the public backlash, the governor announced his resignation as Vice Chair of the Council of Governors, saying:

“I am taking responsibility for the real and perceived meaning of my remarks and, as a result, I have decided with immediate effect to step down.”