Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has apologised to Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata over remarks he made during the burial of Laikipia Senator John Kinyua’s father, Mzee William Nderitu Kinyua. Kahiga clarified that his statements were taken out of context, emphasizing that his intention was to rally Kang’ata to support the political direction of the Mt Kenya region.
In a video seen on Tuesday, Kahiga explained that his remarks were meant to urge Kang’ata to stand firm in defending the region’s interests. “The remarks I had made about my friend Kang’ata were taken out of context,” he stated. “What I wanted to tell him was that it is necessary to defend Mt Kenya interests, as there is a direction we want to take as a people.”
Kahiga’s comments came amid growing political realignments in Mt Kenya, with a section of leaders rallying behind Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as the region’s political kingpin. He expressed hope that Kang’ata would align with their faction, warning that failing to do so could cost him politically in 2027.
The apology followed Kahiga’s earlier remarks on Monday, where he challenged Kang’ata to publicly declare his stance on Mt Kenya’s political future ahead of the next general election. “We would like to tell Kang’ata to listen to the ground since we are going to follow the direction in which the Mt Kenya kingpin will declare,” Kahiga had said.
During the burial service, several leaders openly pledged allegiance to Gachagua. However, Kang’ata avoided taking a political side, instead focusing on his track record as Murang’a governor. He stated that his priority remains delivering on his campaign promises. “When President Ruto and Gachagua came to Murang’a, they told me two things: one was to focus on delivering services to Murang’a residents, and two was to offer solutions to the challenges facing Murang’a citizens. That remains my stand,” Kang’ata said.
Despite the political pressure, Kahiga praised Kang’ata for his efforts in improving service delivery in Murang’a, highlighting his Kang’ata Care program and other initiatives.
With the 2027 elections drawing closer, the Mt Kenya region continues to experience shifting political dynamics, with leaders positioning themselves ahead of the anticipated battle for regional supremacy. Whether Kang’ata will heed Kahiga’s call and take a clear political stand remains to be seen.
