Governor Kahiga defends relationship with deputy, announces Nyeri senatorial bid

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has come out to defend his deputy, David Kinaniri Waroe, over remarks he made more than a week ago that raised questions over the alleged use of an official county government vehicle.

The governor claimed that a driver attached to his deputy had been using the vehicle to ferry women at night. 

Kahiga said he had spotted the vehicle moving around Nyeri town during post-official hours, between 11pm and midnight, and decided to follow it.

Speaking to Inooro TV in an interview over the weekend, Kahiga emphasised that the incident was used as an example to prevail upon county officials to use public resources prudently and was not a swipe at his deputy, as was widely alleged.

“We should understand the context in which I was speaking. I was addressing a performance contracting event where I emphasised the need to take care of county resources. It was just an example and a passing statement that was unnecessarily exaggerated,” Kahiga said.

“The deputy governor had nothing to do with it. It was his driver who took his official vehicle on a Saturday without authorisation. When I saw him, he was already in the wrong. It was not an issue that we were taking seriously, but at the end of it all, the message got home. We need to be thrifty with our county resources. We must curb wastage. Let the little money that Nyeri receives be used prudently for the benefit of our people."

In a strong defence of his deputy, Kahiga said their working relationship is at its best, describing it as “perfect”.

“I have a perfect working relationship with him. In fact, I’m always accused of supporting him to succeed me. After all, a deputy should aspire to become governor. What can you become after being a deputy? You can only go to the next level. I hear he wants to become governor. It is now his responsibility to convince the people that he can work and deliver,” Kahiga said.

On his next political move after completing his second term, Governor Kahiga revealed that he is eyeing the Nyeri senatorial seat.

“When I weigh myself, I still have the energy to serve, but most importantly is where we have taken Nyeri. I’m afraid that the gains we’ve made could be watered down. When I look at the people jostling for this seat, I’m convinced that Nyeri needs a leader who will speak and get heard,” Kahiga said.

Kahiga said the county needs a sober voice that will not only keep Nyeri in check but also advocate for more equitable resources and champion devolution.

“Senate has two roles: to speak for devolution and to provide oversight of county funds. The current Nyeri senator has no job because the Nyeri governor works according to the law. You will never hear of a scandal from Nyeri or an adverse report from the Auditor-General. We do not know who will come next. We will need a voice who will keep Nyeri in check. That is the reason why I believe I should go to the Senate,” Kahiga said.

Governor Kahiga also advocated for governors who have served a full term to take a stab at the Senate, saying they are in a better position to defend devolution based on their experience.

He cited former Mandera Governor Ali Roba, who previously served as the county's governor, saying he has been of great help to counties by advocating for a more equitable share of resources and the unbundling of county functions that are still held by the national government.