Nyeri County Governor Mutahi Kahiga has surprised many Kenyans after publicly distancing himself from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and reaffirming his support for President William Ruto.
The latest remarks mark a significant shift in Mount Kenya politics, especially given Kahiga’s earlier strong defense of Gachagua before his impeachment.
For months, Governor Kahiga had been viewed as one of Gachagua’s most vocal allies within the region. At the height of the impeachment debate, the Nyeri governor had warned the Kenya Kwanza administration against removing Gachagua from office, hinting at serious political consequences should the move be effected. However, recent developments suggest that political alignments in the region are rapidly changing.
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Speaking during a church service held in Ruring’u, Nyeri County, and attended by President Ruto, Governor Kahiga took a different tone altogether.
He urged the President to continue working closely with the people of Nyeri to deliver development projects, noting that cooperation with the national government was key to improving livelihoods in the county. Kahiga emphasized that his priority at the moment was development, not political battles.
The governor openly declared that he remains firmly in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party and fully supports President Ruto’s leadership and agenda.
He dismissed claims of confusion regarding his political position, stating that he voted for Ruto in the 2022 General Election and continues to stand by him.
In a moment that drew laughter from the congregation, Kahiga remarked in Kiswahili, “Mimi nilipigia Ruto kura akawa rais, sijui mbona mnachanganyikiwa? Mimi bado niko na yeye kwa UDA!” — a statement widely interpreted as a clear denouncement of Gachagua in the President’s presence.
Kahiga added that politics would be addressed when the right time comes, but for now, his focus remains on service delivery and supporting the President’s development agenda.
The declaration is seen as a major blow to Gachagua’s influence in Nyeri and signals deeper realignments within the Mount Kenya political landscape.
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