• On Wednesday, Ruto and Gachagua are expected to tour Lari and Kangema constituencies.
• Political Analyst Albert Kasembeli during an interview with the Star said President Ruto's timely visit is aimed at strengthening ties with Mount Kenya voters.
Image: PCS
President William Ruto and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua are set to embark on an extensive three-day development tour of the Mount Kenya region starting on Wednesday.
The duo is scheduled to traverse Kiambu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, and Nyeri counties, with a detailed itinerary including visits to specific constituencies.
On Wednesday, Ruto and Gachagua are expected to tour Lari and Kangema constituencies, followed by visits to Gatanga, Maragua, and Othaya on Thursday, and concluding the tour in Mathira and Gatundu South on Friday.
In Lari constituency, they will launch roads and Markets, while in Kangema they will launch Kenya Medical Training College and Water and irrigation project in Gatanga constituencies among other projects.
Sources indicate that the President and his deputy will be operating from the Sagana state lounge during the official development tour.
This will mark their second tour of the Mount Kenya region within a few months, following an extensive visit last August where they engaged with regional leaders on development agendas.
Lari MP Mburu Kahangara has revealed that the President and his deputy will inaugurate the Mau Mau road, which passes through Nyamari escarpment via Kijabe to Mai Mahiu, and launch the Soko Mjinga ESP market in Lari, Kiambu County.
“It’s true, the president and his deputy will be in Lari, Kiambu County on Wednesday to launch Mau Mau road as well as the Soko Mjinga ESP market,” Mburu said.
He noted that they will be accompanied by the key government officials and urged people to come out in large numbers to welcome them.
Maragua MP Mary Wa Maua has also confirmed that the president will also tour Gakoigo in Maragua to launch development projects.
Gatanga MP Edward Muriu echoed Kahangara's sentiments while confirming the attendance highlighting that there will be a launch of an irrigation and water project in Ithanga.
Muriu emphasized the unwavering commitment of both the President and his deputy to realizing government projects not only in the Mount Kenya region but across the entire country.
"The development tour of the President and his deputy will catalyze the growth of the region, and thus we should embrace unity and work together as a unit," Muriu said.
He urged the people of the Mount Kenya region to prioritize unity for the sake of development in the area.
The President's visit comes on the heels of a meeting in Kigumo, where over 100 UDA leaders endorsed Deputy President Gachagua as the Mount Kenya region kingpin.
The region has witnessed political rivalry leading to a battle for supremacy among Kenya Kwanza leaders.
Addressing concerns about succession, Gachagua during a fundraiser in Kinyona emphasised the need for unity within the Mount Kenya region.
He vowed not to allow any leader to divide the community asserting that the people of Mount Kenya will decide their future leadership.
"I want to assure you that I will not allow any leader to divide the community along county lines, this will not be allowed," he said.
Gachagua noted that he is ready to work with youthful leaders and guide them on matters of politics and urged them to respect the electorate.
President Ruto had earlier echoed similar sentiments during a speech in Gilgil, Nakuru County, reaffirming his collaboration with Deputy Gachagua to mentor young leaders in the UDA.
He encouraged youthful leaders to focus on delivering service to the electorate and implementing the Kenya Kwanza manifesto.
"The deputy president and I have a plan. We said we will give mentorship to these young leaders in UDA. They however need to slow down for if they should up they will spoil things,” the Head of State said.
Political Analyst Albert Kasembeli during an interview with the Star said President Ruto's timely visit is aimed at strengthening ties with Mount Kenya voters.
He emphasized the importance of Ruto working closely with Gachagua to secure re-election, as any deviation from this script could jeopardize support in the region.
“If Ruto wants to be reelected, he must work with the people of Mount Kenya through Gachagua and anything from this script will entirely be rejected by the people of the region jeopardizing his reelection," he said.