Nyeri County Governor Mutahi Kahiga has assured his support for President William Ruto after allegations that he had shifted to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Speaking during a church service on Sunday, January 11, in Othaya constituency in Nyeri, Kahiga reaffirmed his support for the head of state, noting that it was time to work for Nyeri residents and Kenyans at large, and not the time to play politics.
The governor also revealed that he was a member of the president's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, clearing claims that he had joined Gachagua's Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
"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 stated.
"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," he added, clearing claims that he had defected from the party.
Kahiga accompanied the president to the church service, days after hosting Gachagua at a rally in the county, on Friday, January 9, where he appeared to drum up support for the former DP.
The governor's remarks come amid political tensions and realignment following Gachagua's impeachment in 2024.
He is currently viewed as a lone ranger, following the fallout with Ruto's UDA, and also after Gachagua's party disowned him in late 2025 due to his controversial political comments. The opposition stated that the governor officially belonged to UDA.
"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.
Kahiga has been Ruto's most prominent critic in the Mount Kenya region after the impeachment. He has on several occasions accused President Ruto of favouring other regions and sidelining the mountain, especially in development projects.
In October 2025, the Nyeri county boss accused Ruto's administration of favouring the Nyanza region in development. He also allegedly made inflammatory remarks about the demise of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, remarks that led to public outcry.
Due to the tensions in the country regarding his remarks, Kahiga resigned from his position as the vice chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG), a position he had just occupied at that time. Later, the council elected Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki as Kahiga's replacement.
Besides being the most prominent Ruto critic in the region, he has on several occasions accompanied the head of state on tours in the area, especially in his county. He noted that the presidency had to be respected and that Nyeri residents must remain in government.
His move to accompany the president was seen as a strategic cooperation for development despite the tensions. He had clarified his presence at the president's functions as his official duty and capacity as governor, and was not to be mistaken for political support.
