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Governor of Nyeri County
Mutahi Kahiga is a Kenyan public servant currently serving his second elected term as Governor of Nyeri County, having first assumed the post in November 2017 following the untimely death of his predecessor Wahome Gakuru. Before moving fully into elective politics he spent more than thirty years in the education sector—first as a teacher, then as a headmaster and union official with the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) where he rose to become executive secretary for the Mt. Kenya branch.
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Mutahi Kahiga is a Kenyan public servant currently serving his second elected term as Governor of Nyeri County, having first assumed the post in November 2017 following the untimely death of his predecessor Wahome Gakuru. Before moving fully into elective politics he spent more than thirty years in the education sector—first as a teacher, then as a headmaster and union official with the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) where he rose to become executive secretary for the Mt. Kenya branch. As governor, Kahiga has emphasised infrastructure, health and education delivery, as well as financial accountability in county government. Under his leadership Nyeri County received top marks in the World Bank–supported Devolution Support Programme for financial integrity. He also pursued advanced education concurrently with his public office, culminating in a doctorate in Leadership and Education Management from Kenya Methodist University in October 2024.
Highlights that showcase impact and influence.
Improved County Governance & Financial Management – Under his leadership Nyeri County rose to the top spot in the World Bank-supported Devolution Support Programme assessment for financial integrity, planning, monitoring and evaluation.
A timeline of pivotal roles and responsibilities.
Education and Training – Mutahi Kahiga studied at Kiganjo Primary and St. Mary’s Boys High School, trained as a teacher at Kisii Teachers Training College in 1980, and later earned a Bachelor’s from the University of Nairobi, a Master’s from Kenya Methodist University, and a PhD in Leadership and Education Management in 2024.
Teaching Career – He began teaching in Baringo Central in 1980, then moved to Nyeri where he served for over 25 years, including more than 18 years as a headteacher, shaping school administration and education quality.
Union Leadership – He was an active member of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), rising to Executive Secretary of the Mt. Kenya branch, where he represented teachers’ welfare and championed better working conditions.
Political Leadership – Elected Deputy Governor in 2017 under the Jubilee Party, he assumed office as Governor after the death of Wahome Gakuru the same year and was re-elected in 2022 under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Key events that have shaped public perception.
He faced audit scrutiny when the Senate Committee on County Public Investment and Special Funds summoned him over financial‐irregularities at the county’s two water services companies (NYEWASCO and OMWASCO) covering fiscal years 2018/19–2020/21, including asset‐register issues and non-compliance with salary-rules.
He drew public backlash in August 2025 for abruptly pushing to relocate matatu (public transport) services within Nyeri town CBD to a new terminus, disrupting many commuters and causing a standoff with transport operators who argued inadequate public participation.
In October 2025 he made remarks during a funeral that were widely interpreted as celebrating the death of Raila Odinga, causing national outrage, official condemnation by Council of Governors and his removal as its Vice-Chair. He later issued an apology.
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