NCIC summons Governor Kahiga over remarks on Raila's death

Kahiga sparked national outrage after he suggested that Odinga's death was "God's plan" to allow the Mt Kenya region to benefit from State resources that had been diverted elsewhere.

Kahiga claimed that the political arrangement between President William Ruto and the late Odinga had shifted government development priorities toward the Nyanza region.

In a statement on Wednesday, NCIC noted that Kahiga's statement severely damaged gains made on peaceful coexistence, and he should be held accountable since he holds a public office.

"Such statements do not only dishonour the memory of a national hero but also have the potential to ignite ethnic tension and social discord at a time when the nation is in mourning," NCIC stated.

"This kind of rhetoric is not only retrogressive but dangerously undermines the progress we have made as a country in fostering peaceful and cohesive coexistence."

The Commission further lauded the Council of Governors for distancing itself from Governor Kahiga's and removing him from his Vice Chair position at the Council.

"Indeed, this is a positive gesture to uphold desirable values of unity, inclusivity, and respect in governance, distancing itself from any divisive or inflammatory statements. This highlights the importance of responsible leadership and reinforces political decency and accountability," NCIC stated.

NCIC also appealed for calm, tolerance, and unity as the nation mourns the late political premier, maintaining that his legacy of fighting for democracy, peace, justice, and inclusivity should be upheld.

The Commission's rebuke comes amid widespread public outrage, as many have termed Governor Kahiga insensitive and unprofessional.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Council of Governors (CoG) unanimously ousted Kahiga from the Vice Chair's position after he announced his resignation.

Kahiga has apologised to the family and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party for his remarks.

"I want to apologise to the family, the larger ODM, my colleagues and those in the larger Nyanza region...my remarks are personal, and not those of the people of Nyeri and the Council of Governors," he said.

The Odinga-led Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe, Nyeri County leaders and others have also censured Kahiga, calling for restraint.