NYERI, Kenya — Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has defended his relationship with Deputy Governor David Kinaniri Waroe, dismissing speculation that recent remarks about the use of a county vehicle were directed at his deputy.
Kahiga said the incident, in which he claimed a driver attached to the deputy governor was using an official vehicle at night, was cited only as an example of the need for county officials to use public resources responsibly.
Speaking to Inooro TV over the weekend, Kahiga said he had spotted the vehicle moving around Nyeri town between 11pm and midnight after official working hours and decided to follow it.
He said the vehicle was being used by the deputy governor’s driver without authorisation, but maintained that Waroe himself had nothing to do with the incident.
“We should understand the context in which I was speaking. I was addressing a performance contracting event where I emphasised the need to take care of county resources. It was just an example and a passing statement that was unnecessarily exaggerated,” Kahiga said.
The governor said the driver had taken the official vehicle out on a Saturday without permission and was therefore responsible for the violation.
“The deputy governor had nothing to do with it. It was his driver who took his official vehicle on a Saturday without authorisation,” he said.
Kahiga said the incident was not treated as a major disciplinary matter but served to reinforce the need for county officials to protect public resources and avoid wastage.
He urged county officials to ensure available resources are used prudently for the benefit of Nyeri residents.
Kahiga Backs Deputy
The governor also strongly defended his working relationship with Waroe, describing it as “perfect” and dismissing suggestions that the two were engaged in political differences.
Kahiga said he was often accused of supporting his deputy to succeed him as governor, but argued that it was natural for a deputy governor to aspire to become governor.
“I have a perfect working relationship with him. In fact, I’m always accused of supporting him to succeed me,” Kahiga said.
He added that Waroe would have to convince Nyeri residents that he was capable of leading the county and delivering on their expectations.
Kahiga’s comments come amid growing political activity in Nyeri ahead of the next General Election, with leaders positioning themselves for various elective positions.
Kahiga Announces Senate Bid
The governor also confirmed that he intends to seek the Nyeri senatorial seat after completing his second term as governor.
Kahiga said he still has the energy to serve and wants to use his experience in county leadership to protect the gains made in Nyeri.
“When I weigh myself, I still have the energy to serve, but most importantly is where we have taken Nyeri. I’m afraid that the gains we’ve made could be watered down,” he said.
Kahiga said he believes Nyeri needs a senator capable of articulating the county’s interests at the national level and advocating for a fairer allocation of resources.
He pointed to the Senate’s constitutional responsibilities of representing counties and overseeing the use of county resources.
“Senate has two roles: to speak for devolution and to provide oversight of county funds,” Kahiga said.
He argued that his experience as governor places him in a strong position to understand the challenges facing counties and advocate for devolution.
Kahiga also said he was concerned about who would take over the county’s leadership after his tenure and the possibility that the gains made during his administration could be reversed.
Calls For Governors To Join Senate
The Nyeri governor further advocated for former governors to consider contesting senatorial seats after completing their terms.
He argued that governors who have directly managed county governments are better placed to defend devolution because they understand the challenges counties face in receiving and managing resources.
Kahiga cited former Mandera Governor Ali Roba as an example, saying his experience in county leadership had enabled him to advocate for counties at the Senate.
According to Kahiga, Roba has played a role in pushing for a more equitable share of national resources for counties and advocating for the transfer of functions that remain under the national government.
