President Ruto is not the Mt. Kenya kingpin - Governor Kahiga

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga claims President William Ruto is no longer the Mt. Kenya region's kingpin, citing a loss of support due to recent decisions.

Speaking at a Council of Governors media engagement in Nairobi ahead of the August 12 Devolution Conference, Kahiga said Ruto's warm reception was driven by development projects, not unwavering political backing.

This even as the Governor attended President Ruto’s tour of Nyeri County on Tuesday, where he commended him for initiating development projects during his visit.

“Tunafurahi kwa sababu Rais amekuja, na hii wiki imekuwa nzuri kwa sababu tumepata marupurupu. Tungetaka awe akiendelea kuja kwa sababu akija, marupurupu yanapatikana na tuna furaha,” he said.

“Lakini mwito ni ule ule, tuko pale pale. Ata yeye anajua uchangamfu uliokuweko mwanzo na ule uliokuwa wakati huu ni tofauti. Rais ni kingpin wa Kenya, lakini sio kingpin wa mlima. Mlima una wenyewe.”

Photos were on Tuesday shared online of Governor Kahiga warmly receiving President Ruto's entourage at Kieni in Nyeri County and exchanging cordial conversations with his allies.

This surprised many as Kahiga, known for his vocal nature against the government, is allied to Rigathi Gachagua, the former Deputy President who has been rallying his troops to oppose his former boss. 

Taking to his Facebook account on Wednesday, the Governor noted that the public should not read too much into the situation.

He also told his critics to differentiate political matters, stating that “the presidency must be respected.”

Further, he defiantly revealed that he would still welcome the President in Nyeri town and Othaya Constituency on Saturday, much to the chagrin of his detractors.

"I have noted frenzied interest in my attendance of the President's functions in Kieni. Do not read too much into this photo and others shared all over. The Presidency must be respected," he said. 

"The Governor of Nyeri received The President of The Republic of Kenya in Nyeri, Kieni Constituency. The Governor of Nyeri will still receive The President of The Republic of Kenya on Saturday in both Nyeri Town and Othaya Constituencies on Saturday. Ni lazima kutofautishana mambo!"