Governor Kahiga Hits Out At DP Kindiki For Nyeri Tour Snub
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga urged more respect for county governments on Wednesday, February 5, following what he described as Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s snub during a previous visit.
On Wednesday, February 5, Kahiga was at his height, spearheading a Social Health Authority (SHA) registration push in Nyeri.
“Recently I saw that the Deputy President (Kindiki) had toured Nyeri. There are some people who just want to cause trouble for nothing,” stated Kahiga.
“The Governor’s Office that I occupy is one that is voted for by the people. It is necessary that when such a visitor is coming into the county we are given a notice.”
Kindiki had gone to Nyeri to check the bitumen upgrade of the Endarasha-Watuka road, as well as the launch of the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC)’s last-mile electrical connectivity project in Kieni.
''Juzi Kindiki alikuja Nyeri bila kuniambia,''
— Henix Obuchunju (@Obuchunju) February 5, 2025
Governor Mutahi Kahiga blasts DP Kindiki for ignoring his office. pic.twitter.com/6jSUeZFJO7
He went on to add, “We should be told that the Deputy President of Kenya, who was chosen by President Ruto, is coming. They should send the program so that we know where we should come in.
“Now the situation is that we are in our office, but we are hearing that he (Kindiki) is in Kieni, then he is in Agothi, and we do not know whether to go or not. Imagine a governor going round asking, ‘Have you seen him?’”
Kahiga emphasized the need to honor elected leaders’ roles, even at the county level, stressing that respect was mutual.
“Offices need to give each other proper respect. When they call me for a meeting in Nairobi, don’t you see me going?” Kahiga posed.
“County and national governments have one duty to Kenyans who are mainly concerned with development.”
The governor, a close supporter of Rigathi Gachagua, insisted that his county was eager to collaborate with the national administration to promote development, but with a proviso.
“We, as a county government, we want to work with you and we want to support you. But we need to draw a line between politics and working for the people. We can politic later,” Kahiga expressed.
Kindiki’s journey was considered as paving the way for President William Ruto’s impending homecoming to Nyeri, and it came with gifts: Ksh17 billion in road development and Ksh8.7 billion for Mt. Kenya’s last-mile electrical connections.
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His visit marked the first time a member of President Ruto’s closest circle had stepped foot in Rigathi Gachagua’s backyard since his impeachment, and it was likely to raise many eyebrows.
Kahiga’s absence raised concerns because it went against standard government protocol.
Typically, when a senior executive official, such as the President or Deputy, visits a county, the county’s top leadership echelon, led by the governor, is expected to be there.
During his visit, Kindiki confronted his predecessor in his Nyeri backyard, urging him to stop politicking for the sake of development in the Mt. Kenya region.
Governor Kahiga Hits Out At DP Kindiki For Nyeri Tour Snub
