The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has said it plans to summon the governor of Nyeri, Mutahi Kahiga, over his controversial remarks at the funeral of former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga. The commission warned that a moment of national grief should not be exploited for political gain.

There have been widespread condemnations after the governor said the death of Odinga was an “answered prayer” for the people of the Mt Kenya region.

Kenya’s Council of Governors, where Kahiga serves as Vice Chairperson, swiftly condemned his statement, saying it does not represent the views of the council. Leaders from the late Odinga’s ODM party and a former chief justice have also criticized the remarks.

The Council of Governors has, meanwhile, voted to remove the Nyeri Governor as its vice chairperson