Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has sparked national outrage after a video where he reportedly claimed that the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will now “free” government resources for the Mt Kenya region went viral

Speaking in vernacular at a funeral in Nyeri, Kahiga said the government had diverted attention and resources to Nyanza because of President William Ruto’s working relationship with Raila in the months leading up to his death.

“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 because it seemed like they did away with us but God came and brought this thing,” Kahiga said.

“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.” 

Raila, who died of cardiac arrest on October 15 while receiving treatment in India, had entered into a working arrangement with Ruto after years of political rivalry.

The comments immediately drew strong rebuke from leaders across the political divide, who accused the governor of exploiting a moment of national grief for political mileage.

Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui described the statement as “regrettable and most unfortunate,” saying it reflected “a narrow mindset that thrives on isolation as a survival strategy.”

“It neither captures the national mood nor adds value to a nation in mourning. At best, it is a cheap digression and a personal opinion. It serves as yet another reminder of how low leadership can sometimes sink. Baba’s dream for Kenya was never a secret. We salute him as a true Kenyan hero,” Kinyanjui said.