GOVERNOR KAHIGA; RUTO IS NOT MT. KENYA'S KINGPIN

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has claimed that President William Ruto is no longer the Mt. Kenya's kingpin, citing a loss his popularity due to recent decisions.

Speaking at a Council of Governors media engagement in Nairobi ahead of the August 12 Devolution Conference, Kahiga said Ruto's warm reception was based on development projects, and didn't mean any sort of political backing.

This comes a day after the Governor attended President Ruto’s tour of Nyeri County , where he commended him for launching development projects in the region.

“Tunafurahi kwa sababu Rais amekuja, na hii wiki imekuwa nzuri kwa sababu tumepata marupurupu. Tungetaka awe akiendelea kuja kwa sababu akija, marupurupu yanapatikana na tuna furaha,” he said.

“Lakini mwito ni ule ule, tuko pale pale. Ata yeye anajua uchangamfu uliokuweko mwanzo na ule uliokuwa wakati huu ni tofauti. Rais ni kingpin wa Kenya, lakini sio kingpin wa mlima. Mlima una wenyewe.”

The appearance of Governor Kahiga in Ruto's tour surprised many, since he is known as a staunch supporter of former e, Rigathi Gachagua and critic of Ruto's administration.

On Wednesday, the Governor noted in his Facebook page that the public should not read too much into the situation and the president should be respected .

"I have noted frenzied interest in my attendance of the President's functions in Kieni. Do not read too much into this photo and others shared all over. The Presidency must be respected," he said.

"The Governor of Nyeri received The President of The Republic of Kenya in Nyeri, Kieni Constituency. The Governor of Nyeri will still receive The President of The Republic of Kenya on Saturday in both Nyeri Town and Othaya Constituencies on Saturday. Ni lazima kutofautishana mambo!" Kahiga affirmed.