Nyeri County Governor Mutahi Kahiga has reaffirmed his membership in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and support for President William Ruto, dismissing claims of defecting to Rigathi Gachagua's camp. He made the statement during a church service at St Paul Kariki Church in Othaya, Nyeri, on January 11, 2026, where he joined Ruto. This follows days after hosting Gachagua at a political rally.
Nyeri County Governor Mutahi Kahiga, a close ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, has declared that he remains a member of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and has no intention of joining another party ahead of the 2027 elections. He made this announcement during a church service on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at St Paul Kariki Church in Othaya, Nyeri County. The service was attended by President William Ruto, his deputy Prof Kithure Kindiki, and other government leaders.
Just days earlier, on Friday, January 9, 2026, Kahiga hosted Gachagua at a political rally in Nyeri, where he appeared to rally support for the former deputy president. However, at the church, he stated, “I am still in UDA and you cannot change that,” adding, “The days for playing politics will come, but for now, let us all support President Ruto so he can do his work.”
Kahiga has been among politicians defending Gachagua and criticizing the Ruto administration for marginalizing him. Following Gachagua's impeachment in 2024, Kahiga has emerged as Ruto's most vocal critic in the Mount Kenya region, accusing the government of favoritism in development projects toward other areas. In October 2025, he criticized Ruto's administration for favoring Nyanza residents and made inflammatory remarks about the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, sparking public outcry and leading to his resignation as vice chairperson of the Council of Governors.
Nevertheless, he emphasized his constitutional duty to collaborate with the national government and welcome the president during visits. “William Ruto is my president, and I voted for him. I don't know why people are getting confused,” he said. This statement signals a strategic cooperation for development amid ongoing political tensions, after Gachagua was disowned by both UDA and his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) in late 2025.
