Former Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ezekiel Mutua has called for calm and closure following Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s resignation as Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG).

Dr. Mutua, in a statement on Wednesday, urged Kenyans not to “overdramatize” the controversy, noting that Kahiga had already taken responsibility and issued a public apology over his remarks.

“Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has apologized and resigned as Vice Chair of the Council of Governors. There is no need to overdramatize this regrettable incident. Let it be put to rest,” said Dr. Mutua.

He further emphasized that Kahiga’s statements were personal and should not be used to malign the Kikuyu community or other leaders.

“Importantly, he has stated that the remarks were his personal views, so no one should involve the Kikuyu community or other leaders in this issue. Let Baba’s spirit rest,” Dr. Mutua added.

Mutahi Kahiga resigns

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga tendered his resignation from the Council of Governors’ leadership following widespread public outrage over remarks he allegedly made celebrating the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Kahiga’s resignation came just hours before the CoG was set to convene a special meeting to deliberate on the controversy surrounding his comments.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the governor issued a heartfelt public apology, expressing remorse to the Odinga family and the nation at large for his words.

“I want to sincerely apologise to our mourning nation — to the family of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Mama Ida, her children Rosemary, Junior, and Winnie, Senator Oburu Oginga, Ruth Odinga, other siblings, the larger extended family, the ODM fraternity, the Luo nation, and Kenyans at large,” he said.

Kahiga acknowledged that his comments were inappropriate and deeply hurtful, saying they did not reflect his true feelings about the loss of a national leader.

His resignation followed mounting pressure from political leaders, civil society groups, and members of the public who had called for his removal from the CoG leadership over what they described as “insensitive and divisive” remarks.

Raila Odinga, Kenya’s long-serving opposition leader and former Prime Minister, passed away on October 15, 2025, while receiving medical treatment in Kerala, India. His death has prompted a week of national mourning, with tributes pouring in from across the political divide.

Kahiga’s exit marks the latest political fallout stemming from reactions to Odinga’s passing — an event that has stirred deep emotions across the country.

Dr. Mutua’s statement adds to the growing calls for restraint and unity, as leaders and citizens alike continue to reflect on Odinga’s legacy and the need for respect in public discourse.