Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has sparked nationwide outrage following controversial remarks he made about the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

In a viral video filmed at a funeral in Nyeri on 21st October, the Governor suggested that Odinga’s death was a form of “divine justice” that would benefit the Mount Kenya region by re-routing government resources away from Odinga’s Nyanza homeland.

Governor Kahiga’s comments, delivered largely in vernacular, implied that a political plan to sideline the Mount Kenya region had been thwarted by the passing of the former Prime Minister.

“The plan that had been hatched, if you look keenly, for you who do not travel, all goodies were being directed there because of tomorrow’s plans… But who is God? Does he take ugali at somebody’s house? 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 smooth things up there.” — Governor Mutahi Kahiga

The remarks, which quickly spread online, drew immediate and forceful condemnation from leaders across the political divide.

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders and allies of the late Raila Odinga led the charge:

James Orengo (Governor, Siaya County)

Caleb Amisi (Member of Parliament for Saboti)

Wycliffe Oparanya (Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs)

Opiyo Wandayi (Cabinet Secretary for Energy)

Azimio La Umoja Coalition figures also weighed in:

Jeremiah Kioni (Jubilee Secretary General)

Martha Karua (Former Cabinet Secretary for Justice)

Even leaders from the Mount Kenya region and those aligned with the current administration publicly distanced themselves from the comments:

Lee Kinyanjui (Trade Cabinet Secretary)

Anne Waiguru (Governor, Kirinyaga County)

William Kabogo (Former Governor, Kiambu County)

Other notable figures condemning the remarks include:

Ledama Ole Kina (Senator, Narok County)

Edwin Sifuna (Senator, Nairobi)

Millicent Omanga (Former Nominated Senator)

Oscar Sudi (Member of Parliament for Kapseret)

Didmus Wekesa Barasa (Member of Parliament for Kimilili

Dennis Itumbi (Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Coordination)

David Maraga (Former Chief Justice )