NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has embarked on a politically charged tour of the Mt. Kenya region, a visit expected to test his influence in an area that played a pivotal role in his 2022 election victory.
His arrival at Sagana State Lodge on Sunday set the stage for a high-stakes engagement with local leaders, development projects, and an ongoing political fallout with his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua.
But let’s not pretend this is just another routine presidential tour—because it’s not.
The stakes are high, the political landscape is shifting, and the next five days could redefine Ruto’s standing in the vote-rich region ahead of 2027.
Politics on the Rocks: The Gachagua Factor
If there’s one elephant in the room, it’s Rigathi Gachagua. The former deputy president, who was ousted from office in October 2024, has since turned into Ruto’s most vocal critic.
And he’s not alone—several Mt. Kenya leaders have rallied behind him, making the president’s homecoming anything but warm.
In a revealing media interview on Sunday, Ruto claimed that Gachagua had attempted to blackmail him.
“I was told, ‘I can make you a one-term president unless you give me Ksh.10 billion to organize politics in the region.’ I refused. If my fate is to be a one-term president, so be it,” he stated.
The cracks between the two, Ruto argued, started forming soon after their election win, with Gachagua clashing with key allies like digital strategist Dennis Itumbi and lawmakers Ndindi Nyoro and Kimani Ichung’wah.
Now, with Gachagua spearheading opposition in the region, Ruto’s visit is as much about policy as it is about political damage control.
Ruto Claims Ex-DP Gachagua Demanded Sh10 Billion “To Prepare Mt Kenya” ynews.digital/newsflash/ruto…
Development or Damage Control? A Tour Packed with Projects
Politics aside, Ruto isn’t showing up empty-handed. His itinerary is loaded with high-profile project inspections and commissioning ceremonies, all designed to showcase his administration’s commitment to development.
In Kiambu and Laikipia, he’s expected to inspect the ongoing construction of the County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPS), aimed at boosting local manufacturing and value addition.
Meanwhile, in Nyeri and Meru, title deeds will be issued—a move that historically resonates well with local voters.
The tour also features major infrastructure projects, including roads, water, and irrigation initiatives, as well as expanded electricity connectivity.
Notably, the President will check in on Affordable Housing projects, a flagship initiative of his government, and inspect sanitation and sewerage systems in Meru, Murang’a, and Embu.
For the agricultural sector—a critical issue in the region—Ruto has promised strategic interventions, aligning with a recent State House meeting where leaders discussed revitalizing coffee, tea, and dairy farming.
President William Ruto arrives at Sagana State Lodge, ready to kick off his Mount Kenya tour.He briefly interacted with the locals, exchanging greetings and sharing light moments with them. #MtKenyaFocus
Gachagua’s Warning: A “Money Splash” or a Genuine Outreach?
Not everyone is buying into Ruto’s development narrative. Gachagua, speaking in Naivasha on Saturday, dismissed the tour as nothing more than a public relations stunt.
According to him, the President is on a mission to “buy back” support in a region that’s growing increasingly skeptical of his leadership.
“The President will spare no expense to appease the people. But Mt. Kenya residents should not be fooled by short-term handouts,” Gachagua warned.
The five-day tour isn’t just about governance—it’s a delicate political maneuver in a region that could make or break Ruto’s re-election bid.
As he moves from county to county, all eyes will be on whether his message resonates—or if Gachagua’s shadow looms too large over the mountain.
As the President navigates the rugged political terrain of Mt. Kenya, one thing is clear: this isn’t just about projects.
It’s about 2027, power plays, and whether Ruto can reclaim a region that once propelled him to victory.
With the political ground shifting beneath his feet, Ruto’s tour could either strengthen his foothold—or prove that the mountain is slipping away.
