President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki poses for a photo with Mt Kenya governors as State House, Nairobi, on 24th March, 2025. Photo/PCS
By Wanderi Kamau
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga was conspicuously absent during a meeting between President William Ruto and Mt Kenya governors at State House, Nairobi, on Monday, March 24, 2025.
The meeting, which was also attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, brought together governors Joshua Irungu (Laikipia), Kimani Wamatangi (Kiambu), Kiarie Badilisha (Nyandarua), Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga), Cecily Mbarire (Embu), Muthomi Njuki (Tharaka Nithi), Irungu Kang’ata (Murang’a), and Meru’s new governor, Isaac Mutuma.
The main agenda was reportedly to plan the President’s upcoming Mt Kenya tour, scheduled for March 31, 2025.
However, Kahiga’s absence has fueled speculation of an intensifying rift within the region’s leadership, particularly between President Ruto’s camp and allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Boycott signals political tensions
Kahiga’s boycott comes just a day after Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi announced that he would also not be accompanying the President on his Mt Kenya visit.
This follows a similar snub by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro last week, when he skipped a meeting between Ruto and Mt Kenya MPs despite receiving a formal invitation.
Read more: Kindiki under fire for ‘snubbing’ Kahiga in his Nyeri tour
Nyoro, a once-loyal ally of the President, has been increasingly aloof from Ruto’s inner circle, raising questions about his current political allegiance. He is among the UDA MPs who were recently removed from powerful parliamentary committee positions in a purge that saw key slots handed over to Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
While most of the ousted MPs are strong allies of Gachagua, Nyoro has carefully avoided taking a clear stand, neither fully siding with the President nor openly aligning with Gachagua’s faction.
Kahiga’s silence raises more questions
Unlike Nyoro, Kahiga has been an outspoken supporter of Gachagua, making his absence even more telling. However, his office declined to comment on why he skipped the State House meeting.
Political analyst Peter Kagwanja believes Kahiga’s move is a strategic political statement rather than a mere scheduling conflict.
“By refusing to attend, Kahiga is sending a message that he remains loyal to Gachagua and is not willing to be part of any agenda that sidelines the former Deputy President,” Prof Kagwanja told Newsflash.
Another analyst, Mugo Kiboi, suggests that Kahiga’s absence is a reflection of the broader discontent in the region, warning that Ruto’s declining support in Mt Kenya could spell political disaster in 2027.
“The President is losing grip on Mt Kenya, and the signs are clear. Kahiga, Nyoro, and others are only expressing what many in the region feel—that Ruto has not lived up to expectations,” Ngunyi stated.
Mt Kenya residents express growing disillusionment
Beyond the political wrangles, many Mt Kenya residents feel let down by the Kenya Kwanza administration. They accuse the government of failing to deliver on key campaign promises, particularly infrastructure projects such as the construction of Mau Mau roads.
“While we welcome the President, we want him to complete the projects he promised us, such as the Mau Mau roads. We don’t want more empty promises,” said Mary Wanjau, a resident of Kangema, Murang’a.
Others argue that the impeachment of Gachagua marked a turning point in the region’s relationship with the President.
“President Ruto should know that he lost Mt Kenya’s support long ago. No amount of effort will change that. The impeachment of Gachagua was a betrayal of the whole community,” said Njenga Mwangi from Kinangop, Nyandarua County.
Ruto’s Mt Kenya tour: A make-or-break moment?
With his March 31 visit fast approaching, President Ruto faces an uphill battle to reclaim Mt Kenya’s support. Many residents and local leaders remain skeptical, demanding tangible actions rather than political rhetoric.
Read more:Governors threaten shutdown over Sh38 billion budget cut
Analysts warn that unless the President addresses the economic concerns of the region—such as the rising cost of living, agricultural challenges, and unemployment—his popularity could continue to decline, further emboldening his opponents.
“This tour is crucial. If Ruto fails to convince Mt Kenya that he is still their leader of choice, we could see a significant political realignment before 2027,” political analyst Wanjiru Karugu noted
