A storm of condemnation has engulfed Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga following remarks he made suggesting that the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was an act of “divine intervention” in favour of the Mt Kenya region.

Speaking in Kikuyu during a burial ceremony in Nyeri on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, Kahiga claimed that “God came through” for the region and that Raila’s close ties with President William Ruto had shifted government attention to Nyanza, leaving others sidelined.

“You guys can see what had been planned, but God brought something up. Now it’s total confusion. We did not harbour hate for anyone, but God came through for us,” Kahiga said, triggering widespread outrage.

Now, leaders from across the political divide have condemned his comments, terming them “reckless,” “inhuman,” and “deeply disrespectful” to the memory of the late opposition leader.

Former Kakamega Governor and Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya said Kahiga’s words were “deeply unfortunate and unbecoming of any leader who values our shared humanity.”

“Death should never be a moment for political calculation or regional triumphalism. Rt Hon. Raila Odinga, C.G.H was a national figure whose sacrifices shaped Kenya’s democratic journey. To speak with such disregard in a moment of mourning is to diminish our collective moral fabric as a nation,” Oparanya said.

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi also rebuked the remarks, calling them “reprehensible, insensitive, and totally uncalled for.”

“Leaders have a duty to promote national unity, cohesion and integration. Ethnic bigotry has no place in a modern society. God bless Kenya,” Wandayi stated.

Former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu was more scathing, describing Kahiga’s words as “grossly despicable” and “an unwarranted attack on a grieving family and community.”

“Kahiga MUST UNRESERVEDLY APOLOGIZE for his unbridled bigotry. Shame on you Kahiga,” Ngilu declared.

Echoing similar sentiments, Nyandarua Senator John Methu and Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich both labelled Kahiga’s remarks “extremely unfortunate.”

“Governor Kahiga decided him and recklessness will walk hand in hand. That was an extremely unfortunate statement,” the two leaders said in separate reactions.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei went further, accusing Kahiga of “celebrating death” for personal gain.

“My brother Governor Kahiga, I know you are a beneficiary of death because when Governor Wahome Gakuru died, you became governor. That’s why you are celebrating the death of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga and ridiculing the Luo community because death must happen for you to benefit!” Cherargei said.

He added that Kahiga’s behaviour was “ungodly, un-African, and uncouth,” demanding an apology to the Odinga family, the Luo nation, the ODM Party, and the entire country.

“At least you have confirmed what you have been discussing at unholy night meetings against other Kenyans,” he added.

The outcry follows earlier condemnation from ODM Deputy Party Leader Abdulswamad Nassir and UDA Chairperson Cecily Mbarire, both of whom described Kahiga’s comments as “reckless” and “deeply disrespectful.”

Raila Odinga, a towering figure in Kenya’s political history and one of Africa’s most enduring champions of democracy, died earlier this month, prompting an unprecedented wave of national mourning.

As tributes continue to pour in from Kenya and abroad, the remarks by Governor Kahiga have been widely viewed as an unwarranted provocation in a period that has otherwise united the country in grief.