Mutahi Kahiga Declares Support for Ruto Days After Hosting Gachagua Amid Defection Rumors

Nyeri County Governor Mutahi Kahiga has publicly reaffirmed his support for President William Ruto, dismissing claims that he had shifted allegiance to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Speaking during a church service on Sunday, January 11, 2026, in Othaya constituency, Kahiga clarified that he remains a committed member of President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA). 

He said it was time to focus on delivering services to the people of Nyeri and Kenya at large, rather than engaging in political speculation.

“William Ruto is my president, and I voted for him. I don’t know why people are getting confused. There is no other president. Let us differentiate time and seasons. It’s time to work. Politics will come, and we will do politics. For now, let us support the president,” Kahiga said.

The governor went further to confirm his membership in UDA, stating: 

“I am still a member of UDA, full paid up, and that is a fact. I am surprised when people talk too much. I don’t want to be like wi-fi that connects everywhere. We must have a plan.” His remarks aimed to quash rumors that he had joined Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).

Kahiga’s comments come just days after he hosted Gachagua in Nyeri at a rally on January 9, where he appeared to encourage local support for the former deputy president. 

The governor explained that his interactions with both leaders should not be misinterpreted as a change in political allegiance.

He also reflected on his recent political challenges. Following Gachagua’s impeachment in 2024, Kahiga was seen as politically isolated. Both UDA and DCP had publicly criticized him at different times, leaving him in a difficult position. 

“Even when I had a problem with Itumbi, UDA criticised me, and DCP also did the same. I was lost and never knew where I was. I decided to go back to these people to tell me where to go,” he noted.

Despite past tensions, Kahiga has occasionally accompanied President Ruto on official tours within Nyeri, emphasizing that these visits are part of his responsibilities as governor rather than political endorsements. 

He stated that the presidency must be respected and that Nyeri residents must continue to benefit from government projects, regardless of past disagreements.

Kahiga has previously been one of President Ruto’s most vocal critics in the Mount Kenya region, particularly regarding the allocation of development projects. 

In October 2025, he accused the government of favoring the Nyanza region, leading to public debates. He also sparked controversy with comments regarding the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, which drew widespread criticism.

The fallout from these remarks led Kahiga to resign as vice chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG). Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki was subsequently elected as his replacement.