The meeting, organised by the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), was attended by party officials and local leaders, with President Ruto’s re-election message dominating the agenda. Tension rose when the officials repeatedly pushed Governor Kahiga to chant “Tutam,” a popular slogan within UDA circles signifying that President Ruto will secure a second term in 2027.
Despite confirming that he is a member of UDA, Governor Kahiga stopped short of chanting the slogan, instead choosing his words carefully. He maintained that while he belongs to the party, his focus remains on delivering development for the people of Nyeri rather than engaging in premature campaigns.
The governor’s hesitation drew mixed reactions from the crowd, with some attendees cheering while others expressed dissatisfaction. UDA officials were visibly keen on presenting a united front in the region, which is considered politically significant ahead of the next general election.
The incident comes at a time when Governor Kahiga has been increasingly linked to opposition-leaning leaders. He is widely regarded as a close ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, whose relationship with President Ruto has been strained following his exit from government. Political observers note that Kahiga’s balancing act reflects the broader political realignments currently taking shape in the Mt Kenya region.
Sources within UDA say the party is keen to consolidate support at the grassroots and expects its elected leaders to clearly back President Ruto’s re-election bid. However, Governor Kahiga’s stance suggests that some leaders in the region are still weighing their political options as alliances continue to shift.
As the 2027 contest gradually takes shape, events such as the Nyeri meeting highlight the underlying tensions within the ruling party, particularly in regions where loyalty is increasingly being tested.
0 Comments