Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga was notably absent from a key meeting held at State House on Monday, where President William Ruto engaged Mt Kenya region leaders in a consultative session focused on regional development projects.
The meeting, attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, seven governors, Cabinet Secretaries, and Principal Secretaries from the region, was convened to assess the progress of ongoing projects and strategize on new initiatives. The discussions come ahead of President Ruto’s scheduled development tour of the Mt Kenya region early next month.
Governor Kahiga, who has been aligning himself with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s political faction, has yet to comment on his absence, despite facing criticism from some local leaders. Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi questioned the governor’s decision to snub the meeting, emphasizing its importance to Nyeri’s development.
“As a resident of Nyeri, I have every right to ask why you missed a meeting called by the Head of State to discuss Nyeri’s development,” Wamumbi remarked.
While the high-level talks were ongoing, Kahiga was engaged in county activities. He, along with his deputy David Kinaniri, signed a declaration officially designating Nyeri County as the world’s official scout city. He also visited Baden Powell Memorial Gardens, a significant site for the scouting movement.
Sources at State House indicated that the discussions revolved around evaluating the region’s ongoing projects and identifying those to be launched during Ruto’s upcoming visit. The President stated that the meeting aimed at fostering socio-economic transformation in Mt Kenya.
Governors present included Ann Waiguru (Kirinyaga), Cecily Mbarire (Embu), Kimani Wamatangi (Kiambu), Isaac Mutuma (Meru), Joshua Irungu (Laikipia), Muthomi Njuki (Tharaka Nithi), Irungu Kang’ata (Murang’a), and Kiarie Badilisha (Nyandarua). Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika was also absent, reportedly being out of the country.
During his upcoming tour, President Ruto is expected to address key issues affecting the region’s agricultural sectors, including tea, coffee, miraa, and milk. He will also launch several infrastructure projects, such as affordable housing and fresh produce markets, aimed at boosting economic growth in the region.
