Mutahi Kahiga Stops Short of Backing Ruto’s 2027 Re-election — But Crowd Reaction Tells a Different Story
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has appeared to indirectly signal support for President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027 after being put on the spot in front of the Head of State during a high-profile United Democratic Alliance (UDA) meeting.
Kahiga was among leaders in attendance at a UDA grassroots leaders’ forum held at Sagana State Lodge on Saturday, January 17, an event hosted by President Ruto and attended by senior figures from across the Mt Kenya region.
However, it was a brief but tense exchange on the podium that drew the loudest reaction — and renewed scrutiny of Kahiga’s political loyalties.
Kahiga Cornered Over 2027 Presidential Race
During the meeting, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, who also serves as UDA’s national chairperson, called Kahiga forward and directly challenged him to declare his position on the 2027 presidential contest.
Reminding him that Nyeri County was firmly behind President Ruto’s “two-term” agenda, Mbarire urged the governor to publicly state whether he supported Ruto’s re-election.
“Governor, you are my brother. All these Nyeri people belong to the two-term team; can you tell them where you stand?” Mbarire asked, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Kahiga, however, stopped short of giving a direct answer, instead turning to the audience and asking them to speak for themselves.
The response was immediate and unmistakable, with the crowd chanting in support of President Ruto — a reaction Kahiga later acknowledged as aligning with his own position.
Balancing Act Between Ruto and Gachagua
Kahiga’s cautious approach comes amid ongoing political tension within the Mt Kenya region, where loyalties remain divided between President Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The Nyeri governor has previously expressed loyalty to Gachagua, who now leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), making his political positioning increasingly delicate as the 2027 race draws closer.
The issue resurfaced earlier this month after Kahiga held separate engagements with both leaders within days of each other.
On January 9, he hosted Gachagua at a rally in Nyeri. Just two days later, on January 11, Kahiga joined President Ruto at a church service in Othaya — an appearance that sparked fresh calls from local leaders for him to make his allegiance clear.
Local Leaders Demand Clarity
During the Othaya church service, Nyeri Woman Representative Rahab Mukami warned Kahiga against sending mixed political signals, stressing that uncertainty could slow development in the county.
Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga echoed the sentiment, advising the governor to decisively cut ties with Gachagua’s faction if he intended to remain aligned with the ruling party.
The pressure highlighted growing impatience among UDA leaders eager to consolidate support in Mt Kenya ahead of the next general election.
Kahiga Defends Relationship With Ruto
Responding to the criticism, Kahiga insisted that he maintains a strong and professional working relationship with President Ruto.
He said that as governor, it was his duty to host the Head of State whenever he visits Nyeri and dismissed claims that his actions were politically ambiguous.
The governor noted that he had voted for Ruto, accompanied him to every local function, and continues to serve under his administration.
Kahiga said there should be “no confusion” about his position, adding that his focus remains on delivering services to the people of Nyeri.
At the same time, he acknowledged his cordial relationship with Gachagua but clarified that he remains a UDA member and has no plans to defect.
For now, Kahiga said, he would prioritise governance, with any future political decisions to be made “at the appropriate time”.
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Mutahi Kahiga Stops Short of Backing Ruto’s 2027 Re-election — But Crowd Reaction Tells a Different Story