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| Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga and former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua. |
Nyeri – A section of governors have called on Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga to assume a prominent leadership role in the Mt Kenya West region after the impeachment of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua. The Senate and the National Assembly delivered an overwhelming vote to remove Gachagua, sparking discussions among leaders about Kahiga’s potential role in regional and national leadership.
Why do governors want Mutahi to replace Gachagua? During a celebration honouring Kahiga’s recent achievement of a doctorate in leadership, Tharaka Nithi governor Muthomi Njuki commended Kahiga’s capabilities, describing him as a national leader who should not be limited to Nyeri county. Njuki emphasised that Kahiga’s leadership potential extends beyond county boundaries and would benefit the larger Mt Kenya West region. “Mr Mutahi Kenya needs you. You have served the people of Nyeri very well but you should not be limited within this county,” said Njuki.
Nandi governor Stephen Sang, who was also present at the event, echoed Njuki’s sentiments, stating that Kahiga is suited for broader responsibilities on the national stage. Sang’s endorsement further fueled the call for Kahiga to take on an expanded role in the wake of Gachagua’s impeachment. “We know for sure that Kahiga is not just meant for Nyeri. This is material for bigger things in this country which he is already doing,” said Sang’. The leaders also called for peace and unity between Mt Kenya West and East following the swearing-in of former Cabinet secretary Kithure Kindiki as Kenya’s new deputy president.
“Let us never have a divided region because of politics. Let us never come to a point where I cannot visit Nyeri and Governor Kahiga cannot come to my region,” Njuki advised. Kahiga urges Ruto to keep Nyeri economically included Addressing Gachagua’s removal, Governor Kahiga appealed to President William Ruto to ensure Nyeri remains integral to national development plans.
He urged Ruto not to sideline the county, emphasising that Nyeri’s residents strongly backed the Kenya Kwanza administration in the last election. The county chief stressed the need for continued economic focus on Nyeri. “Nyeri should not be left out of the government of Kenya. We voted for this administration, and there are still three more years to deliver on promises.”
by Nancy Odindo