Kahiga to Ruto: Mt Kenya has its real owner

By Newsflash Reporter

Just a day after warmly receiving President William Ruto in Nyeri, Governor Mutahi Kahiga has now declared that Mt Kenya has its own political leader, separate from the President.

Kahiga’s statement comes in response to a Daily Nation report that quoted Ruto as declaring himself the kingpin of Mt Kenya. The governor’s remarks have reignited the debate over who truly controls the region’s political direction.

‘We welcomed him for the goodies, not politics’

Speaking during a local event on Tuesday, Kahiga explained that his decision to welcome Ruto in Nyeri was out of respect for his position as Head of State, but not an endorsement of his political influence in the region.

Kahiga is a close ally and staunch supporter of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

“We came out to receive the President’s goodies… and we got them. The President is Kenya’s kingpin, but he is not the Mountain’s kingpin,” said Kahiga.

He added: “When you see him, tell him: ‘You are Kenya’s kingpin, but Mt Kenya has its owner.’”

‘Mt Kenya people speak through silence’

Kahiga also hinted at growing discontent within the region, saying that while the reception given to Ruto was cordial, the political landscape has changed.

“I welcomed him in Nyeri because he is the President, and I am the governor. He knows that the political reception that was there before and now is different because of what happened,” he remarked.

He further noted that Mt Kenya people do not resort to aggressive political expressions but instead show their dissatisfaction in subtle ways.

“Mt Kenya people do not have the habit of political thuggery. When they are angry, they keep quiet,” he said.

Rising political tensions in Mt Kenya

Kahiga’s remarks are likely to fuel speculation about the shifting political dynamics in Mt Kenya, especially as Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua continues to assert his influence in the region.

Ruto’s ongoing visit to the Mountain has beenmarked by a mix of warm receptions and visible cracks, with some leaders skipping his events.

“Kahiga’s latest remarks suggest that despite the public show of support, there are underlying tensions about Ruto’s growing attempts to consolidate power in the region,” says James Wambua, a political analyst

According to Wambua, Kahiga’s statement may be seen as a strategic move to align himself with local sentiments, as the region’s leadership question continues to evolve.