Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga on Tuesday welcomed President William Samoei Ruto to Nyeri during his ongoing tour around the Mt. Kenya region.
Mutahi Kahiga who has been a strong ally of impeached former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua stated that the president did well paying them a visit, adding that they are the ones who formed the government and cannot afford to stay outside.
The governor also told the president that no leader should prevent him from visiting Nyeri, what was seen as an indirect attack to Mr. Rigathi Gachagua and his close allies who have been against the head of state touring the mountain “to give more empty promises”.
“Leo sisi tunasema, Rais amefanya vizuri kutuletea maendeleo na tungetaka tumhakikishie asiwe akiambia asikuje Nyeri. Sisi tunataka akuje tena na tena na atuletee maendeleo. Si lazima tukuwe ndani ya serikali na tuletewe maendeleo yetu? (Today we want to state that the president has done a wonderful thing of visiting us here in Nyeri. We want to assure him of our support and that no one should tell him not to visit Nyeri. We want him to come again and again and bring us development because we have to be in government which we formed). Said Mutahi.
The sentiments by Governor Kahiga comes just days after Mr. Gachagua urged the Mt. Kenya residents not to accept less money from the state during the 5 days tour of the region.
Speaking on Saturday in Naivasha, Gachagua said that in the event the leaders who have been tasked with mobilising residents to attend the President’s functions offer them money as an incentive, they should take it.
The former DP claimed the President will be visiting the region with goodies, which he encouraged them to accept wholeheartedly.
“If you are going to listen to him, ask for a hefty price. Do not accept less money,” Gachagua said.
“President Ruto, get your finances in order and bring the money because we elected you for free,” he added.
Gachagua was speaking during the consecration and installation ceremony for Reverend Harrison Munyua at Redeemed Church in Naivasha Town, Nakuru county.
He made a stopover in the town and acknowledged greetings from the residents. “Asanteni sana watu wa Naivasha!,” he said.
