Governor Kahiga Warns Ruto-Raila handshake May Disrupt Mt. Kenya

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, in an exclusive interview with the Star on Monday, urged the people of the Mount Kenya region to unite in their support for President William Ruto and Deputy Rigathi Gachagua’s Kenya Kwanza administration.

Kahiga emphasized the need for a collective effort in backing the government, irrespective of one’s political affiliation, to ensure the successful fulfillment of campaign promises.

He vehemently dismissed claims of a growing division between Ruto and Gachagua, cautioning the media against promoting the idea of a secretive ‘handshake’ between President Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga, which could have repercussions, especially in Gachagua’s political stronghold, the Mount Kenya region.

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While denying knowledge of any impending ‘handshake’ between Ruto and Raila, Kahiga expressed concern about the potential impact such an understanding could have on the Mount Kenya region, which he referred to as Gachagua’s territory.

He rejected the notion that Gachagua’s calls for Mount Kenya unity were a result of political betrayal by Ruto, emphasizing the government’s unwavering commitment to approaching the 2027 election with a unified Mount Kenya region.

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Kahiga also supported Gachagua’s efforts to garner support from former President Uhuru Kenyatta for the sake of regional unity, highlighting that in politics, alliances can shift.

Head of Public Service Felix Koskei hinted at a possible reconciliation or handshake between Ruto and Raila during a recent event in Siaya county.

Gatanga MP Edward Muriu expressed confidence in the unity of the Mount Kenya region and its unwavering support for the Kenya Kwanza government.

He reiterated his trust in Gachagua’s commitment to regional unity and his outreach to various leaders to achieve this common goal.

During a Sunday address in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua, Gachagua reaffirmed his commitment to his mission of uniting and engaging with Azimio leaders from the Mount Kenya region, all in preparation for the 2027 election. The Deputy President emphasized that his new initiative, aimed at consolidating support in the region, was geared towards ensuring Ruto’s re-election and achieving unanimous support from the area.

“In the Mt. Kenya region, President Ruto received 87 percent of the votes in the last election. I am reaching out to the remaining 13 percent, including those aligned with Azimio. Our goal is to secure 100 percent support from the Mt. Kenya region in the 2027 general election,” Gachagua stated.

This declaration followed expressions of support for the Deputy President from political figures and religious leaders, as they pledged their full backing for him as the regional political leader. Notably, the Kikuyu Council of Elders National chairman, Wachira Kiago, endorsed the ‘handshake’ between Uhuru and Gachagua last week, recognizing their influential roles within the Mount Kenya region.