Why 'God did it' is trending in Kenya

The recovered money./SCREENGRAB

“God did it" has become a trending phrase in Kenyan online after the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) announced the recovery of Sh65 million in cash during a search operation at the residence of a Nairobi City County official under investigation.

The commission said the operation was part of ongoing investigations.

According to EACC, the official is suspected of having received more than Sh170 million through numerous suspicious cash and M-Pesa deposits between the 2019/20 and 2025/26 financial years.

However, it was not only the cash recovery that caught the attention of Kenyans online.

Photos circulating on social media from the search operation appeared to show a framed wall portrait bearing the words "God Did It" inside the official's residence.

The image quickly sparked reactions, jokes and memes across social media platforms, with many users expressing disbelief at the contrast between the ongoing corruption allegations and the religious message displayed in the house.

User DCI Meru posted: "Jamaa inaiba millions, na hapo living room ameweka portrait ya 'God ddid It.' God must be very patient with sinners."

George wrote: "Millions in a suitcase at home." And the book on the shelf says 'GOD DID IT.' He's not wrong. Only God knows how a public servant assembles a quarter billion in cash while Nairobi's roads eat cars and residents pay rates for ghost services."

Mbiti Mwondi Maino questioned the use of the phrase, saying: "Naona God did it hapo kwa meza na ameiba mali ya umma. "I think this God of ours is dead asleep. Msee anasanya hundreds of millions kwa nyumba na watu wengine hawana hata ya chakula."

He added that many Kenyans are struggling with school fees, hospital bills and business financing while corruption allegations involving large sums of money continue to emerge.

Kijana Misa also weighed in, writing: "The suspect allegedly took a million shillings and proudly displays a portrait in his living room that reads 'God Did It.' God must be incredibly patient with sinners."

Other users criticised the association of God's name with alleged corruption.

"The face of God did it," wrote Henry, while Kawangware Finest Geoffrey Moturi posted: "Can't you be ashamed using God's name! GOD DID IT! MUNGU HAPENDI WEZI."

Another user, Henry Kabogo, stated: "God did it. God is not corrupt. God doesn't take bribe."

Others simply reposted EACC's statement or media reports and captioned them with variations of "Indeed, God Did It," while some turned the phrase into memes.

One widely shared post by Joseph Main joked: "Nikipata hiyo 250m... God did it."

As the investigation continues, the phrase has evolved into a viral online joke, with Kenyans using it sarcastically to comment on wealth, corruption allegations and unexplained riches.

EACC has said investigations are ongoing and that the findings will inform any appropriate action, including possible prosecution and recovery of unexplained wealth and proceeds of corruption.