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Ruto keeps off Mt Kenya turf as political heat blurs future

Mt Kenya was Ruto’s darling and he visited the region numerous until his fallout with Gachagua.

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by MOSES ODHIAMBO

News14 January 2025 - 04:59
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In Summary


  • During the campaign season, media analysis at one time showed Ruto had visited the mountain 36 times in six months, at a time his then main challenger Raila Odinga had only done 15.
  • Even on a typical day when he had activities elsewhere, chances were high that he would either start or end his day in jam-packed campaign activities in that region.

President William Ruto addresses residents of Kondele in Kisumu county on November 26 last year / HIRAM OMONDI /PCS

President William Ruto has uncharacteristically kept off Mt Kenya as political temperatures in the region rise to sweltering levels ahead of the 2027 battle.

Mt Kenya was Ruto’s darling and the President visited the region numerous times after his election, until his fallout with Rigathi Gachagua.

During the campaign season, media analysis at one time showed Ruto had visited the mountain 36 times in six months, at a time his then main challenger Raila Odinga had only done 15.

Even on a typical day when he had activities elsewhere, chances were high that he would either start or end his day in jam-packed campaign activities in that region.

Kiambu and Nyandarua were his favourite stops as were Embu, Kirinyaga, Murang’a and Nyeri. He also frequented Meru and Laikipia, making an effort on the campaign trail to speak the local languages as a true son of the soil.

The trend continued for a few months after his election, including in August 2023, when he opened the gates of Sagana State Lodge and served lunch to locals to thank them for voting Kenya Kwanza.

Political watchers, however, say that the stops – to launch development projects and meet the people – have faded.

They hold that when not in Nairobi, the head of state has concentrated most of his tours in Western, Nyanza, Rift Valley and the Coast.

President Ruto was last in Mt Kenya in November when he attended the consecration of Peter Kimani as Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Embu.

This August tour followed one in June, which concentrated in Mt Kenya East constituencies.

Before then, in February, the President camped at Nyeri’s Sagana State Lodge from where he executed tours of Gatanga and other areas.

Ahead of the Embu appearance, the President’s several engagements in the region were cancelled, some at the last minute.

This was commonplace at the height of the impeachment proceedings against his then-deputy, Gachagua.

Since the latter’s removal, Ruto has assigned his new deputy Kithure Kindiki Mt Kenya duties.

The DP recently said a plan was in the works and urged the pushy locals to hold their horses and peace.

In compelling cases, the President has been sending representatives, some of whom have been treated to a cold reception.

Gachagua’s allies believe the ground is super-charged against Ruto’s men from the region, especially those who supported the impeachment.

Some have been heckled when attempting to explain the Kenya Kwanza agenda.

“It is true President Ruto and his troops are dodging Mt Kenya. They are in Nyanza, Western, and Rift Valley,” Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru, aka Mejadonk, said.

The MP, a staunch Gachagua ally, said the visits by the President have gone down because of the hostility against MPs who voted for Gachagua’s ouster.

“Wanjiku doesn’t want to listen to them. No one [the MPs] wants the boss to visit their constituency for church services or project launches,” Gathiru said.

Gachagua recently accused the President of skipping tours of the region and instead using unconventional means to contain dissent against his administration.

Political commentator Macharia Munene says the President may be retreating since “he feels that he is short-handed in dealing with the mountain”.

“He doesn’t understand how there appears to be unhappiness in the mountain. Although Gachagua is the contributor to the environment, his drifting away started a long time ago and he has been unable to address the concerns,” the USIU don said.

He added that Ruto’s woes follow that the nominees he recently picked to join Cabinet and assuage Mt Kenya may not bring the much-needed political capital.

MPs are scheduled to vet nominees Mutahi Kagwe for the Agriculture CS job, William Kabogo (ICT) and Lee Kinyanjui (Trade).

They were named alongside former Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi who has since assumed offi ce as KRA chairperson.

“Those he appointed will not help him turn the story around. What do they have in common?  ey lost the elections last time, they are on the wrong side,” Munene said.

For Ruto men, the President has not abandoned the region, saying they have instead laid down an elaborate development plan with set timelines.

Laikipia East MP, Mwangi Kiunjuri, said the President has unlocked many development opportunities for the region with the focus being on implementing the same.

“It is not true that the head of state has kept off ,” Kiunjuri said. “He engages Mt Kenya leaders regularly to track the progress of work. He has also appointed an able deputy who has a keen eye on the region too,” he added.

Many projects including dams, roads, stadiums, and irrigation ventures are yet to be completed, with some yet to get clear budget lines.

“The anger requires a more serious approach than just bringing a few political figures into government,” political analyst Herman Manyora said.

For Kenya Kwanza honchos, tours by the President can be arranged any minute and they are working to ensure projects are implemented successfully.

“I believe the president has a plan and a schedule that includes Mt Kenya. We have to appreciate that he is already doing enough and is the president of the entire republic, not just Mt Kenya, for crying out loud,” Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi said.

Battle lines have been drawn in the region as Gachagua moves to position notable fi gures to challenge the current MPs.

It is understood that the President is equally working on a counter strategy, where Kindiki would play a lead role.

The aim is to deliver the promises made to the region, especially in the tea, coff ee and milk sectors as well as infrastructure development.

Kindiki hinted at the plan recently in Embu where he said Mt Kenya has been factored in Ruto’s budget plans for the near term.


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