NAIROBI, Kenya- President William Ruto is making a high-stakes attempt to reclaim the loyalty of the Mt Kenya region with a planned seven-day tour, aimed at easing growing political tensions in a region that once stood firmly behind him.
The tour comes in the wake of a bitter fallout with his former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, who was recently impeached following months of political wrangling.
The impeachment sent shockwaves through Mt Kenya, a region that overwhelmingly voted for Ruto in the 2022 General Election, but now feels sidelined and betrayed.
Ruto’s appointment of Prof. Kithure Kindiki as the new Deputy President was a calculated move—one meant to restore balance and loyalty within the mountain’s political circles.
Kindiki, a respected legal mind from Tharaka Nithi, is now being positioned as the bridge between Ruto and the disgruntled region.
On Monday, Ruto hosted Mt Kenya Governors at State House, Nairobi, in what State House termed a consultative meeting to align national and county priorities.
The meeting brought together Governors Cecily Mbarire, Anne Waiguru, Kimani Wamatangi, Joshua Irungu, Muthomi Njuki, Irungu Kang’ata, Kiarie Badilisha, and Isaac Mutuma, alongside several Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries from the region.
“We are aligning national and county governments’ priorities to accelerate our development agenda, effectively address the needs of our people, and drive inclusive growth,” President Ruto said after the meeting.
But behind the scenes, the President’s push is seen as an urgent mission to repair frayed relations.
Leaders allied to Gachagua have openly accused Ruto of betraying Mt Kenya, saying the region has received little attention despite being instrumental in his rise to power.
Their grievances are deep and multifaceted. They range from stalled infrastructure projects such as the critical Mau Mau road, a legacy initiative by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta to delayed agricultural reforms and unmet promises on economic upliftment.
“These projects were meant to transform our region, but now they are abandoned. The people are watching, and they are not happy,” Waikwa Mucemi,a resident of Kiambu County told Y News.
The economic strain has further fueled discontent. Residents cite high living costs, rising unemployment, and dwindling support for farmers as key indicators that the promises of a “bottom-up” economic model are yet to materialize in the region.
Tea and coffee farmers, once optimistic about reforms, are now raising concerns over pricing and delayed payments.
As Ruto embarks on his tour, he is expected to hold rallies, launch projects, and meet local leaders to assure them of his commitment.
Analysts say this is the President’s chance to reset relations and avoid a deeper rift that could threaten his political future.
Prof. Kindiki’s role during the tour will be closely watched. As the new Deputy President, he carries the burden of uniting the region and softening the blow of Gachagua’s ouster.
The question now remains—can Ruto win back the mountain? Or has the damage already been done?
