Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga/FILE
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has sought to clarify his
political position, affirming that he remains a member of the ruling United
Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
This is despite his perceived association with rival
political outfits linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Speaking on Sunday during a church service at ACK St Paul’s
Church Kariki in Othaya, Nyeri County, Kahiga told congregants that he is a
fully paid-up member of UDA.
The service was attended by President William Ruto and
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, among other senior government officials.
“I am still a member of UDA and that is a fact,” Kahiga told
members of the congregation, underscoring his continued association with the
party that sponsored Ruto’s successful 2022 presidential bid.
Kahiga, who has in the past been viewed as an ally of Gachagua—now
the leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP)—used the occasion to
urge Kenyans to separate governance from politics.
He said there is a proper time for political contestation
and that the current focus should be on supporting the government to deliver on
its development agenda.
In his address to the faithful, the governor cautioned
against premature political mobilisation, saying the season for campaigns would
come in due course.
“Days to do politics will come but for now, let us support
the President to do his job,” he stated.
Kahiga further argued that leaders serving under the
President have a responsibility to publicly support him, saying it would be
contradictory to work for a leader while speaking ill of him.
“I voted for Ruto, he is my President and I am a governor. I
do not know why some people seem to be confused? I still have a President,”
Kahiga said, drawing applause from the congregation.
The Nyeri governor also emphasised his constitutional duty
to work with the national government, saying he would always welcome the
President whenever he visits the county.
“As governor, I must welcome the President and together we
work for the people,” he stated, adding, “Let us wait until the time for
elections.”
Kahiga’s remarks come against the backdrop of shifting
political alliances within the Mt Kenya region following the fallout between
Ruto and his former deputy.
In 2024 and early 2025, Kahiga publicly defended Gachagua
during the height of political tensions between the former Deputy President and
the Head of State, including criticising the national government’s handling of the
former Deputy President’s impeachment process.
Other leaders present at the service included Agriculture
and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, Nyeri Senator Wahome
Wamatinga, Nyeri Woman Representative Rahab Mukami, as well as a host of
Principal Secretaries and other senior government officials.