Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has come under sharp criticism after a video surfaced showing him celebrating the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

His remarks have sparked outrage across the country, with many condemning them as insensitive and disrespectful.

In the video, they termed Raila’s death as God’s plan to give development back to the Mt. Kenya region.

Kahiga, who spoke in his native Kikuyu language said Raila’s death sends everyone to the drawing boar,d including President William Ruto.

Here is a translation of the video clip: All goodies were being directed there because of tomorrow’s plans because it seemed like they did away with use. But God came and brought this thing. 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 on his own way. He saw up there people in heaven are disregarding a lot and came for Baba so that he can go and smoothen things up there.

Kahiga’s remarks have attracted huge criticism from political leaders, Kenyans and political parties.

Here are some of the sampled responses on social media.

Homabay Gladys Wanga

SHAME ON YOU, KAHIGA. For three consecutive days before his sudden death, Rt Hon Raila Odinga expressed shock at the capacity of human beings to be evil and heartless, and the new low our politics had hit. This followed social media reports of his death and images of his “body” being received at the Lee Funeral Home.

Raila believed this was politics at its dirtiest, and someone was behind it. Today, Governor Mutahi Kahiga came out with a very rare admission: that for him and his supporters, Raila’s death was their prayer answered. Kahiga has long thrived on bursts of false and outrageous allegations, personal insults, fear-mongering and ethnic profiling, especially when it comes to the Luo nation and Raila Odinga.

Still, none of his past public outbursts have been as primitive, insensitive, and insulting as what he said today about Raila, the Luo nation, and the sharing of the national cake. As Kahiga’s colleague, I am ashamed of his words.

I am offended as chairperson of ODM and a believer in Raila Odinga and what he bequeathed our country. I take serious offense at Kahiga’s outbursts. It is time for all who value the unity of this country to take a stand and condemn this depth of tribal hate being championed by Kahiga and those who think like him. We must all stand up and condemn Kahiga for his tribal chauvinism and being more consumed with himself and his tribe than with the nation’s well-being.

Chauvinism, like Kahiga’s, has set many nations aflame. They could do it in Kenya too. We all have a duty to call out Kahiga and demand that he appreciates that Kenya belongs to all. Kahiga’s sentiments are way off our values and aspirations as a nation. Kahiga must immediately resign as vice chairman of the Council of Governors.

ODM Party – In this period of mourning, following the loss of our Party Leader, Raila Odinga, we wish to pray for the Governor of Nyeri, Mr. Mutahi Kahiga, that God forgives him for the utterances he made on the passing of our Leader.

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi – Let’s call out such foolish leaders like Kahiga Mutahi. No Kikuyu will hate a Luo because of what you said, and no Luo will hate a kikuyu because of what you said. In short, you are a disgusting man. Tribal leaders are the source of our problems as a nation not citizens. Kenya needs a renaissance!

Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi– Governor Mutahi Kahiga, I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again – why are you pushing one community against the wall when the country is yet to come to terms with the death of Baba Raila and stirring tribal tensions? Irresponsible and reckless statement from a leader. Shame on you!!

Former Chief Justice David Maraga – As a campaign that is guided by the Ukatiba Philosophy, we would like to remind Governor Mutahi Kahiga of Nyeri County that Art 73 (1) of the Constitution requires a State Officer “demonstrate respect for the people; and
(iii) bring honour to the nation and dignity to the office”.

The Governor’s remarks regarding the demise of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga are abhorrent and should not only be treated with the contempt they deserve, he should also be reminded, that these remarks are a violation of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.

Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni  – Mutahi Kahiga has outdone himself in disgrace. Let it be known that he spoke for himself, not for Nyeri, not for the mountain, and certainly not for Kenya. To celebrate death and drag a whole community into your hate is the lowest form of politics. Shame on you, Kahiga.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino – I unequivocally condemn the reckless and disturbing utterances made by Kahiga Mutahi. Such statements are unacceptable and must not be tolerated.

Former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu – The statements attributed to Gov Mutahi Kahiga are grossly despicable, reckless, and an unwarranted attack on a grieving family and a community that is still reeling from a monumental loss. Kahiga MUST UNRESERVEDLY APOLOGIZE for his unbridled bigotry. Shame on you!.

EALA MP Kanini Kega – My Governor Mutahi Kahiga, on this one, you are COMPLETELY out of ORDER! Kindly Apologise.

Hon. Millicent Omanga – Ethnic profiling is unacceptable — more so when it comes from elected leaders. For Governor Mutahi Kahiga to stoke division while the nation mourns a hero is not just irresponsible, it’s dangerous. He must be held accountable.

Prof Makau Mutua – It’s better for Kenyans to know what Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga REALLY thinks than not to know. I am glad he spoke his truth. We should be grateful he didn’t stand up there and lie — hide his true feelings and thoughts. You can’t change or fight what you don’t know.

Gabriel Oguda – Citizen TV has confirmed our worst fears. Anyone with Mutahi Kahiga’s phone numbers, kindly share them here urgently. We can also speak claptrap fluently.

Lawrence Kitema – How can someone be so heartless as to celebrate another person’s death? Governor Mutahi Kahiga, really?

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An image captured of people attending Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s Burial
PHOTO/File/X