Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki named new CoG Vice Chair replacing Mutahi Kahiga
Kahiga resigned after facing widespread criticism for remarks he made following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Tharaka Nithi Governor Onesmus Muthomi Njuki has been named the new Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG), replacing Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, who stepped down from the role on October 22.
Kahiga resigned after facing widespread criticism for remarks he made following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
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Before his promotion, Njuki had been serving as the council’s Chief Whip since October 6, a role just below the Vice Chair. He also previously led the CoG Health Committee.
At the same time, Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi has now taken over Njuki’s former position as Chief Whip.
Kahiga’s departure came shortly after an October 6 reshuffle in which he and Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi retained their positions as Vice Chair and Chair, respectively.
In that same reshuffle, Njuki was moved into the Chief Whip role, taking over from Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, who had held the position for three years and was assigned to lead the Resource Mobilisation and Partnerships Committee.
The resignation followed a video in which Kahiga stated that Raila’s death would compel the Kenya Kwanza government to review its priorities and redirect resources toward the Mount Kenya region.
A day after the video surfaced, Kahiga apologised to the public, saying his remarks had been misinterpreted.
“I meant that under the current broad-based government, Raila’s passing was likely to send everyone back to the drawing board,” he explained.
He also announced his resignation from CoG, stating: “In noting the huge public interest that this issue has generated, I am taking responsibility for the real and perceived meaning of my remarks and as a result, therefore, I have decided that with immediate effect to step down as the Vice Chair of the Council of Governors.”
In response to the video, the council held an emergency meeting and voted to remove Kahiga from the Vice Chair position.
A statement released after the session said: “The Council has resolved to remove Governor Mutahi Kahiga, having passed a vote of no confidence against him, and hereby removes him as the Vice Chair of the Council. We will convene another meeting in due time to discuss further disciplinary action against him.”
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