Mutahi Kahiga Says Ruto Lost Grip on Mt Kenya Despite Attending His Nyeri Rally: "Mlima Una Wenyewe"

• Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga dismissed claims that President William Ruto still enjoys unwavering support in the Mt Kenya region
• Kahiga stated that residents welcomed Ruto for development benefits but remain politically skeptical of his leadership
• He suggested that Ruto’s influence in Mt Kenya had declined, emphasising that the region follows its political dynamics
• Kahiga declared that while Ruto is Kenya’s leader, he is not Mt Kenya’s political kingpin, stating, "The Mountain has its owners"

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi - Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga has dismissed claims that President William Ruto still enjoys unwavering support in the Mt Kenya region, despite the warm reception he received during his tour.

Kahiga insists that the residents only welcomed Ruto as a means of securing development projects but maintain their political reservations.

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During a Council of Governors media engagement in Nairobi ahead of the August 12 Devolution Conference, Kahiga stressed that the enthusiasm surrounding Ruto's visit should not be mistaken for political loyalty.

He argued that the region had become more skeptical of the president following recent political developments.

"We are happy because the president has come, and this week has been good since we have received allowances. We would like him to keep coming because whenever he visits, allowances are given, and we are happy. However, the message remains the same—we stand firm," he stated.

Is Ruto Mt Kenya's undisputed leader?

Kahiga, who has openly associated with former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, suggested that Ruto’s influence in the region had waned significantly.

He pointed out that while residents still respect the president, they no longer view him as the undisputed leader of Mt Kenya politics.

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The Nyeri governor was clear that while Ruto remains the head of state, Mt Kenya politics follow a different dynamic.

"I personally welcomed him to Nyeri, because he is the president and I am the governor, so I received him. But even he knows that the enthusiasm that was there before is not the same as it is now, because of certain things that happened. You know, the people of Mt Kenya are not the type to shout or make noise. When they’re angry, they go silent," Kahiga explained.

He added that while Ruto may be the political leader of Kenya, he does not automatically command Mt Kenya's political loyalty.

"So, recently we were told that the President was coming and that he was bringing us gifts. So, we showed up, and we received them. I want to say this: the president is the kingpin of Kenya, but he is not the kingpin of the Mountain. If you see him, tell him, Mr. President, you are the kingpin of Kenya, but the Mountain has its owners," he declared.

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Mutahi Kahiga warmly welcomes Ruto to Nyeri, urges him to return: "Tuletee maendeleo"

Why did Kahiga attend Ruto's rally?

Despite his sharp criticism, Kahiga was present during Ruto’s tour of Nyeri, where he welcomed the president and acknowledged his ongoing development projects.

Photos of him greeting Ruto’s entourage in Kieni and engaging in cordial conversations with the president’s allies quickly made rounds online, sparking mixed reactions.

His appearance at the event surprised many, given his reputation as a vocal critic of the government and his close ties with Gachagua, who has been mobilising against Ruto.

However, Kahiga’s presence at the rally seemed to align with his assertion that Mt Kenya leaders will continue engaging with Ruto when necessary, especially for development.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke