Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has come under heavy criticism following remarks that many Kenyans have described as insensitive and politically charged, appearing to mock the death of former Prime Minister RailaOdinga.

Speaking in his vernacular during a burial ceremony in Nyeri, Governor Kahiga implied that Odinga’s passing was part of “God’s plan” to allow the Mt Kenya region to once again benefit from State resources, which he claimed had been diverted elsewhere.

In a short video that has since gone viral on social media, Kahiga alleged that the political arrangement between President William Ruto and Raila Odinga had shifted government development priorities towards the Nyanza region.

He further suggested that Raila’s death had “levelled the playing field” and disrupted political strategies ahead of the 2027 General Election.

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Mutahi Kahiga Under Fire for Celebrating Raila Odinga’s Death in Viral Video

“You guys can see, you can see what had been planned but God brought something up. Now it’s total confusion. Everybody can see that. We did not harbor hate for anyone but God came through for us. Because the plan that had been hatched, if you look keenly, for you who do not travel — because I was in that region — all goodies were being directed there because of tomorrow’s plans. It seemed like they did away with us, but God came and brought this thing,” said Kahiga.

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He went on to add:

“So now people have been told to go back to the drawing board because the plan that was there was probably to throw us out. But who is God? Does he take ugali at somebody’s house or sleep in Kayole? He came through in his own way. He saw up there people in heaven are disagreeing a lot and came for Baba so that he can go and smoothen things up there.”

The governor’s remarks have sparked widespread condemnation from leaders across the political divide, who have accused him of disrespect and insensitivity during a period of national mourning.

East African Community (EAC) Principal Secretary Dr. Caroline Karugu was among the first to respond, describing Kahiga’s comments as “silly and deeply unfortunate.