Kahiga Pledges Loyalty to Ruto, Tells Nyeri to Separate Governance from 2027 Politics

By James Murimi - Reporter

Kenya, January 11 2026 - Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga on Sunday publicly reaffirmed his loyalty to President William Ruto, dismissing claims that he is wavering politically and urging residents to distinguish between governance and future political contests.

Speaking at ACK Kariki Church in Chinga Ward, Othaya Constituency, during a service attended by President Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Kahiga said he remained firmly in the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and would continue working with the national government for the benefit of Nyeri County.

“Let me tell the truth here today. I voted for President William Ruto in 2022 and he is my President,” Kahiga told the congregation. “I am the Governor of Nyeri County and, as such, it is my duty to welcome the President here so that we can discuss matters of governance and work for our people.”

The governor said he was puzzled by claims that his recent political engagements amounted to defection or divided loyalty. “I don’t know why people are getting confused. I voted for him and he became President. I have never heard of any other President so far, so I am still with the President,” he said.

Kahiga also disclosed that President Ruto had personally confirmed that he remains a fully paid-up UDA member. “I was with you recently, Mr President, and you told me that you checked the UDA membership register and found my name there as a fully paid-up member. That is a fact,” he said.

The governor has recently come under political pressure after he appeared alongside former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, now the leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), at a rally in Nyeri Town – a move that sparked speculation about his political direction.

Addressing the criticism, Kahiga said he felt isolated following his recent remarks but maintained that Nyeri leaders must be guided by principle and timing. “When I encountered political heat, I was mocked bitterly by leaders from all sides. I found myself like a lone ranger,” he said.

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“I don’t want to be like Wi-Fi, connected to all sources. We must have a clear plan. Let us differentiate times and seasons. The time for politics will come, but for now, let us support the President to deliver what he has planned for our people.” He added that national politics would take centre stage in 2027. “All these other issues you are hearing about will come in 2027,” he said.

Nyeri Woman Representative Rahab Mukami called on the governor to take a clear political stand, saying the county’s development depended on stable relations with the national government. “We have a governor we call the father of this county,” Mukami said. “But he cannot be in two political camps at the same time like a watermelon. He needs to make a firm stand so that our county can progress. We should remain in this government because we are the ones who put it in place through our votes.”

Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga welcomed Kahiga’s declaration of loyalty, saying it was time to focus on development rather than political competition. “My friend Governor Kahiga, you told me recently that you are on your journey back home and I was very glad,” Wamatinga said. “You are most welcome. When the time for politics comes, we will play politics, but now it is time to entrench development for our people.”

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe also urged leaders and residents to support the government, arguing that stability and continuity were key to development. “Under the leadership of President Ruto, we are trying to do what we can to serve the people of Kenya,” Kagwe said. “Let us pray for wisdom so that we understand matters of politics. We are not people who jump with emotions and criticise everything.”

Kagwe revealed that he did not vote for Ruto in 2022 but chose to work with the President in the interest of national unity.“I did not vote for President Ruto because I was in the Opposition then, but in his wisdom, he brought leaders from all political divides together to develop Kenya,” he said. “Development comes because of continuity.”

The church service was led by ACK Mt Kenya West Bishop Gerald Mureithi and was attended by MPs and senior government officials from the Mt Kenya region who accompanied the President.