Mutahi Kahiga: I am still a member of UDA
By Mabonga Makhanu, January 11, 2026The Nyeri Governor has come out unequivocally to announce that he is still a member of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
While speaking during a church service held at St. Peter’s ACK Church in Othaya on Sunday, January 11, 2025, after joining President William Ruto for the service, the second-term governor, who despite previously falling out with the president and becoming critical of the government, especially over the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, said that he remains firmly aligned with President Ruto.
He said that he went to the ballot and elected President Ruto and that he does not know any other president apart from William Ruto.
He added that he is still with the president and continues to support his leadership.
“Mimi ndio governor wa Nyeri. Ni yeye nilipigia kura awe rais, na mimi sijui rais mwingine. Sijui mbona mnachanganyikiwa; kwa hivyo mimi bado niko na rais.”
The governor further revealed that the president had recently asked him which party he belongs to, noting that the last time the president checked, he was a member of the UDA party. He confirmed that he is still in the wheelbarrow party, fully paid up, and an active subscriber to the party.
“Tuliongea na wewe juzi na ukaniambia the last time you checked the records, nilikuwa member ya UDA fully paid up, si ni kweli? Sasa nashangaa watu wakiongea mambo mengi sijui nini; I am still a member of UDA.”
Reasons for Joining Ruto
He went on to question why his presence at President William Ruto’s church service had caused so much public speculation and political jitters. He defended his attendance, saying it was neither a mistake nor a coincidence but part of his responsibility as the governor of Nyeri to welcome the president whenever he visits the county.
“Kama governor lazima nije nipokee rais tuongee mambo ya serikali,” he added
The governor also stated that he supports anything that brings development to the people and urged the president to consider all the issues and requests that were raised during the church service.
This came after the governor joined the president for a church service at the Othaya-based ACK church