Mutahi Kahiga Biography: Life, Career, and Family

Mutahi Kahiga is the current governor of Nyeri County. He is a teacher and a politician. He became the fourth governor after the death of Governor Wahome Gakuru in an accident on 13th November 2017.

He was born in September 1961 in his native home, Nyeri, in a small village, Gitathiini. He came from a humble family; his father was a small businessman, and his mother a farmer. There were many children in the family, more than seven. He had a great interest in education and leadership from a young age.

Kahiga began his early education at Kiganjo Primary School and proceeded to secondary studies at St. Mary’s High School in 1974. Since he had a great interest in teaching, he joined Kisii Teachers Training College, where he completed his training and was awarded a certificate. He then began official teaching at Baringo Central until 1986.

He had a successful career in education, working as a teacher and school administrator, which earned him respect for his commitment to improving education standards.

He joined the University of Nairobi in 2002 to further his studies and graduated four years later with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. He took a big step in 2012 to advance his studies at Kenya Methodist University, aiming to acquire a PhD in Education Management and Leadership.

Mutahi Kahiga’s work in the education sector gave him a unique perspective on challenges faced by citizens, which later influenced his political vision. He joined politics in 2017, becoming the running mate of the late Governor Wahome Gakuru.

Four months after Gakuru’s death, he assumed the position of Governor. Ever since, he has initiated several impactful projects and significantly improved the education sector through bursary programs and enhanced school facilities.

In October 2025, after the death of Raila Odinga, Kahiga made some remarks about the former Prime Minister that were condemned by Kenyans and many leaders. He seemed to be mocking the death of Raila at a funeral in Nyeri, which even led to his resignation as the Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors.

Mutahi Kahiga is a family man with a beautiful wife, Caroline Wamaithe, and they have three children: one son and two daughters. The elder daughter is a graduate, Grace Wangechi Mutahi.

He has accumulated some wealth by working as a teacher. He is also a farmer engaged in large-scale farming, and as a governor, he is entitled to a basic salary and other allowances. His net worth as of 2025 is KSh 750 million.

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