By Dr. Jean Kamau | Diaspora Times Editorial

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga shocked many Kenyans when, during a public burial, claimed that the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was “God answering prayers” for the Mount Kenya region, adding that, with Raila gone, development funds would finally return to his community, as the gathered crowd clapped and cheered in approval.

Such words are not just careless talk. They are reckless, shameful, cruel, and dangerous. To celebrate someone’s death for political reasons is a clear sign of moral decay. It breaks the oath that leaders take to serve all Kenyans, not just their tribes. It also goes against the spirit of our Constitution, which calls for unity and respect for human life.

But behind Kahiga’s shocking words lies a bigger question: was Raila’s death a matter of fate, or is it part of the moral balance of life?

Raila Odinga spent most of his life fighting for freedom and democracy in Kenya. He was jailed, beaten, and insulted, yet he never gave up. For years, he stood for justice and equality. But in his later days, things changed. Many felt that he joined hands with the same people he once fought against. The famous “handshake” with Uhuru Kenyatta, and later his cooperation with President Ruto, made some Kenyans feel betrayed and confused.

Maybe Kahiga’s words came from frustration, or maybe he was trying to please the powerful. Some say he was used to divide Mount Kenya for political reasons. Whatever the truth, his comments show how low our politics have sunk. We have leaders who celebrate pain, who use God’s name to justify hate, and who mistake tribal pride for progress.

Still, life has a strange way of balancing itself. Sometimes, fate allows great men to fall so that a nation can face its truth. Raila’s death has forced Kenya to look in the mirror and ask: What kind of people have we become? Do we still have compassion, or have we lost our humanity to tribal politics and greed?

The answer will define Kenya’s future. If we rise above hate and learn from this moment, then Raila’s long struggle for democracy will not have been in vain. But if we continue to let men like Kahiga poison our national soul, then we have truly lost our way.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the position of The Diaspora Times. The publication stands for truth, fairness, and unity among all Kenyans.