Speculation rises as Gachagua ally joins Ruto on Mt Kenya tour

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s presence during President William Ruto’s tour of the Mt Kenya region intensified speculation about growing tensions within Rigathi Gachagua’s camp.

Kahiga, a key ally of the former deputy president, has previously been vocal in criticising President Ruto for allegedly betraying the people of Mt Kenya.

However, on Tuesday, he showered the president with praises and urged him to ignore those advising against his visits to Nyeri.

"I thank the president for bringing development to our county. And today, I want to tell him, do not listen to those who say you should not come to Nyeri. We want you to visit again and again because every time you come, you bring development," Kahiga said.

Welcoming Ruto to Nyeri, the governor further lauded the president for his commitment to improving the region’s infrastructure and healthcare services.

"I take this opportunity to welcome you to Kieni, Nyeri County, Your Excellency. We want to thank you because you have come bearing the gift of development. We have seen that you have brought more than Sh850 million, which will go a long way in addressing the needs of our people. For a long time, this region has lagged behind in terms of development," Kahiga said.

Kahiga’s presence in Ruto’s tour and his praises for the president suggest possible growing disarray in Gachagua’s camp, with his allies sending mixed signals about their loyalty.

There are indications that more of Gachagua’s allies, especially MPs from constituencies where the president will launch development projects, could align with Ruto after months of criticism.

Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi, a key ally of the president, stated that Ruto is determined to dismantle the ‘shareholder’ mentality in development allocation.

“Regardless of how you voted, you deserve development. Every constituency is receiving Sh64 million for road development,” he said in an interview with Citizen TV.

In recent weeks, Gachagua’s inner circle has shown signs of unease, questioning his confrontational, Mt Kenya-focused approach at a time when he needs a united and growing base to solidify his political standing.

Twice last month, two key figures in Gachagua’s camp—activist George Morara and Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba—publicly expressed concerns about his political strategy.

Recently, Wamuchomba urged Gachagua to broaden his focus beyond Mt Kenya if he hopes to unify the country.

“For the last two years, when he was in power, he didn’t carry himself in a manner that would appeal to most members to support him. He was a bit too abrasive. His language was a bit off-key. His conduct was sometimes off the radar,” she said during an interview on NTV recently.

“He doesn’t have to necessarily agree with me, but if it’s a fact, it is a fact. Rigathi needs to realise that he has the mountain with him; he does not have to keep talking and punching about the mountain.”

Meanwhile, Kahiga reiterated the financial constraints facing county governments and expressed gratitude for Ruto’s support in upgrading local healthcare facilities.

"The money allocated to county governments is insufficient, and I have struggled with road projects. That is why we are grateful that after our discussions, you agreed to upgrade our hospital in Naro Moru and promised to provide us with the necessary medical equipment to ensure better healthcare services for our people," he added.