Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has asked Kenyans not to read too much into the photos that were taken of him alongside allies of President William Ruto.
In a statement dated Wednesday, April 2, Kahiga acknowledged that the photos had raised political eyebrows after they were shared online.
The photos taken during Ruto's visit to Mt Kenya showed the governor being friendly with Ruto's allies, including Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichungwah.
According to the close ally of former DP Rigathi Gachagua, he was at the Kieni event to welcome the President.
He explained that his decision to attend the event was informed by his respect for the presidency, adding that he would still welcome Ruto when he attended other events in the county as the Head of State.
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"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. The Governor of Nyeri received the President of the Republic of Kenya in Nyeri, Kieni Constituency," he wrote.
"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."
Notably, while addressing area residents at the event, Kahiga expressed that Ruto was welcome to the county to initiate development projects.
He added that no one should be in a position to tell the president not to visit the county. Nyeri is the home county of Gachagua, who had a bitter fallout with his former boss.
“The President should not be told not to come to Nyeri; we want him to come again and again to bring us development. We are the ones who voted for this government, and we deserve development," the governor remarked.
