No Ruto vs. Gachagua War in Council of Governors, Says Kahiga

In a recent interview with TV 47, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga sought to clarify the dynamics within the Council of Governors (CoG), dismissing reports of a rift between camps loyal to President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. As the race for the CoG chairperson seat heats up, Kahiga, who is vying for the position, emphasized that while differences exist among governors, they should not be interpreted as a rivalry between the two top leaders in the country.

Kahiga’s remarks come amidst speculation that the upcoming CoG elections could exacerbate tensions between supporters of Ruto and Gachagua. “The 47 governors are not split in that kind of way. We could have other differences, but it is not on the Ruto, Gachagua axis,” he asserted. This statement is significant, especially as Kahiga is known for his close ties to Gachagua, having previously defended him against various criticisms.

Adding another layer to the election narrative, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, a member of the ODM party, has also thrown his hat in the ring for the CoG chairperson role. Abdullahi, currently serving as the CoG vice chairperson, is perceived as a candidate aligned with Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga. The competition between these two governors has led to speculation of an underlying power struggle that could influence broader political alignments.

However, Kahiga downplayed the notion that the CoG elections reflect a Ruto versus Gachagua battle. He explained that the council operates on a consensus model rather than a competitive ballot system. “As a council of governors, we don’t ballot. It is consensus. I can give a scenario of what happened in Mombasa; we were three candidates. We almost had a stalemate on who to be the CoG chair, and we were asked to go out. We did that and we were able to compromise,” he stated, illustrating the collaborative nature of the council’s decision-making process.

Kahiga’s support for Gachagua stems from a sense of loyalty to his home county. He expressed concern about the “onslaught” faced by Gachagua from various quarters within the government, stating that it is vital for him to stand up for a fellow Nyeri leader. “Of course, I have come out as the governor of Nyeri to protect a son of Nyeri against an onslaught. When you hit him right, left, and center, someone has got to stand for something, and that is why I stood to support Gachagua,” he explained.

His statements suggest a broader sentiment among some governors who may quietly support Gachagua, motivated not solely by political allegiance but also by empathy for the challenges he faces. “I know even in the CoG, there are people who silently support him because of what he is going through, not because of who he is but because of what he is going through,” Kahiga noted, highlighting the human element behind political affiliations.

As the CoG prepares for its elections, the emphasis on consensus over conflict may set the stage for a more unified approach among the governors, despite the potential for differing political affiliations. Kahiga’s comments aim to assure constituents that, regardless of individual ambitions, the governors remain committed to working together for the benefit of their counties and the nation as a whole.

In conclusion, while the backdrop of Kenyan politics can often lead to the perception of division, Kahiga’s insistence on collaboration within the CoG highlights the importance of unity among governors. As the council navigates its elections, it remains to be seen how these dynamics will play out, but for now, Kahiga stands firm in his assertion that the Ruto versus Gachagua narrative is overstated.