Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, has been elected as the new vice-chairperson of the Council of Governors, replacing Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga. The leadership change comes in the wake of mounting pressure on Kahiga after his contentious remarks about the late ODM leader Raila Odinga.
The Fallout Over Kahiga’s Comments
The controversy erupted when Governor Mutahi Kahiga made remarks during a burial in Nyeri, which many interpreted as celebrating Raila Odinga’s death. In a video clip that quickly went viral, Kahiga, speaking in his native Kikuyu dialect, suggested that Raila’s passing realigned development priorities that had favored Nyanza, saying it was now “back to the drawing board.”
The CoG sharply condemned his comments. During a special council meeting, CoG Chair Ahmed Abdullahi described Kahiga’s statements as “untimely, reckless, and unspeakable,” particularly given the nation’s deep mourning following Odinga’s death.
Shortly afterwards, Kahiga issued an apology directed at the Odinga family, the wider ODM community, and Kenyans. He clarified that his words were personal, not intended as a celebration, and claimed they had been misinterpreted. In his resignation statement, he said:
“I am taking responsibility for the real and perceived meaning of my remarks and as a result … step down with immediate effect as Vice Chair of the Council of Governors.”
The Council responded swiftly. In a unanimous decision, the 47 governors voted to remove him from his role as vice-chair. CoG also issued a formal apology to Odinga’s family, calling his sentiments inconsistent with the Council’s values.
Muthomi Njuki Elevated to Vice-Chair
In the days following Kahiga’s removal, the Council confirmed that a new vice-chair would be elected. At its subsequent meeting, Muthomi Njuki was chosen to take over the post. According to CoG’s own leadership listing, Njuki now serves as Vice-Chair alongside Chair Ahmed Abdullahi.
Njuki’s elevation marks a notable rise in his influence within the CoG. He already held a leadership position as the Council’s Whip, a role he assumed in early October during a full-council meeting.
Who Is Muthomi Njuki?
Muthomi Njuki is a seasoned politician and the current Governor of Tharaka Nithi County. He first came into prominence as the Member of Parliament for Chuka/Igamba-ng’ombe, serving from 2013 to 2017, before being elected governor.
Njuki holds a reputation as a steady leader, often associated with promoting devolution and county governance priorities. His track record in Tharaka Nithi and his prior role in CoG make him a familiar face among county executives.
Implications for the Council and Devolution
The appointment of Muthomi Njuki comes at a sensitive moment for the Council of Governors. By choosing a figure viewed as moderate and institutionally grounded, CoG appears to be sending a message of stability and unity after a fracture caused by Kahiga’s remarks.
Kahiga’s removal underscores how deeply national politics and mourning intersect with county governance. Many within CoG saw his comments as divisive, potentially harming national cohesion at a time when respect for Raila Odinga was being expressed from all quarters.
With Njuki now in the vice-chair role, the Council may be looking to recalibrate its leadership around more consensual, less polarizing voices. His role as vice-chair will likely involve steering CoG’s agenda on devolution, managing inter-county relations, and safeguarding governance norms.
Reactions and Broader Political Context
The backlash to Kahiga’s remarks was swift and widespread. Political leaders across party lines condemned him. The United Opposition, for example, described the comments as hate speech and called for deeper accountability.
Within CoG, the move to remove Kahiga and replace him with Njuki was unanimous, an indication that his controversial statements did not resonate with his fellow governors.
Observers suggest that the leadership change may help restore the Council’s unity and public credibility. With Njuki now in a top role, the CoG can focus anew on its core mission: strengthening devolution and promoting county interests within the national framework.
CoG leadership transitions typically last for a year, and the Council has committed to hold fresh elections in October 2026. Njuki’s term as vice-chair will therefore be closely watched, especially as county governments advocate for key issues like resource allocation, procurement reforms, and the full costing of devolved functions.
Moreover, Kahiga’s departure raises questions about potential further disciplinary or political consequences. While his resignation from CoG was swift, some have called for additional accountability measures.
For Muthomi Njuki, this is both an opportunity and a test. As vice-chair, he must navigate a Council healing from internal discord while leading on issues that affect the devolved units. His performance will likely shape not just his personal standing, but also how counties are perceived in the broader national political landscape.
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