Kenya’s mountain leaders rally behind Kahiga to succeed Gachagua after impeachment: ‘Kenya needs you’

• Governors Stephen Sang and Muthomi Nyuki have backed their Nyeri counterpart Mutahi Kahiga to lead the Mount Kenya Western Region.
• Leaders speaking during the Cahiga Day celebrations to mark the completion of a doctorate in leadership prayed for peace to reign in the region.
• Governor Kahiga has pleaded with President William Ruto not to sideline the county in terms of development.

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, has over three years of experience covering politics, news and features in digital and print media in Kenya.

Nyeri – A section of governors have called on Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga to take on a prominent leadership role in Kenya’s western region following the impeachment of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua.

The Senate and National Assembly voted overwhelmingly to remove Gachagua, prompting discussions among leaders about Cahiga’s potential role in regional and national leadership.

Why do the governors want Mutahi to replace Gachagua?

During a celebration to mark Kahiga’s recent completion of his doctorate in leadership, Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Nyuki praised Kahiga’s abilities, describing him as a national leader who should not be limited to Nyeri County.

Nyuki stressed that Kahiga’s leadership potential extends beyond the district and will benefit the larger Mount Kenya Western region.

“Mr. Mutahi Kenya needs you. You have served the people of Nyeri very well, but you should not be limited to the boundaries of this constituency,” Nyuki said.

Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, who was also present at the event, echoed Nyuqua’s sentiments, saying Kahiga is suited to take on broader responsibilities on the national stage.

Sang’s support has further strengthened calls for Cajiga to take on an expanded role in the wake of Gachagua’s impeachment.

“We know for sure that Kahiga is not just for Nyeri. This is material for bigger things in this country that he is already doing,” Sang said.

The leaders also called for peace and unity between West and East Kenya following the swearing in of former Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as Kenya’s new deputy president.

“Let us never divide the region because of politics. Let us never get to the point where I can’t visit Nyeri and Governor Kahiga can’t come to my region,” Nyuki advised.

Kahiga calls on Ruto to keep Nyeri economically involved

Speaking on Gachagua’s suspension, Governor Cahiga appealed to President William Ruto to ensure that Nyeri remains an integral part of national development plans.

He urged Ruto not to push the constituency aside, stressing that the people of Nyeri strongly supported the Kenyan Kwanzaa administration in the last elections. The county chief stressed the need for continued economic attention in Nyeri.

“Nyeri should not remain outside the Kenyan government. We voted for this administration and we have three more years to deliver on our promises.”

Gachagua humbly addresses William Ruto

In other news, former Vice President Rigati Gachagua called on members of parliament to speed up the passage of important bills, stressing the need for swift action like that demonstrated during his impeachment.

Gachagua expressed concern that the Coffee Bill 2023 and the Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill have been languishing in Parliament for over a year without being passed.

During his speech, Gachagua urged MPs from the Kenya region who supported his impeachment to prioritize the needs of their constituents by advocating for the passage of the coffee bill.

Proofreading by Otuho Jackson, multimedia journalist and editor of TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke