By KPC Reporter
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga is on the spot after he reportedly claimed that the death of Raila Odinga was a timely act of God.
Ironically, Kahiga made the remarks at what appears to be a funeral, with a casket visible in the background of a video did rounds online for the better part of Tuesday.
In the clip, Kahiga tells mourners that President William Ruto had focused too much development in Nyanza while neglecting the Mt Kenya region, adding in Gikuyu, “God sent an angel of death and Raila died.”
Sadly, as it often happens in the country, Kahiga’s audience audience bursts into laughter and applause.
The choice of words and the setting have shocked many Kenyans, who say the governor’s conduct at a somber event reflected poor judgment and a lack of basic decency.
“It’s one thing to misspeak in a political rally,” said one observer.
“But to utter such words at a funeral, with a coffin in sight, is beyond comprehension.”
The remarks have triggered nationwide outrage, particularly because they come days after Kahiga penned an article in the Daily Nation titled “Farewell, the Enigma Who Became Kenya’s Conscience”.
In the article, the governor praised Odinga as a statesman and defender of democracy.
The governor, just like many of his counterparts, had also given glowing tributes to the departed leader in paid up messages local dailies.
The contradiction has been widely condemned as hypocrisy and political double-speak.
On social media, Kenyans across political divides have denounced the comments as insensitive, tribal, and unbecoming of a senior public leader.
Hashtags such as #ShameOnKahiga and #RespectTheDead trended throughout Tuesday as calls grew for the governor to apologise or resign.
Civil society leaders have also weighed in, accusing the governor of exploiting grief for political mileage.
“This is a new low in Kenyan politics,” said activist Boniface Mwangi.
“Mocking the dead at a funeral is not just disrespectful, it’s morally bankrupt.”
Odinga, 80, died last week after a long career that shaped Kenya’s democratic journey.
His State funeral drew tens of thousands of mourners in Kisumu, including President Ruto and international dignitaries.
Kahiga has yet to comment publicly on the video.
