SAGANA, Kenya – President William Ruto arrived at Sagana State Lodge on Monday evening, kicking off a five-day tour of the Mt Kenya region, a visit seen as both a development assessment and a politically charged engagement with the vote-rich area.
In a video shared online by state-affiliated bloggers, Ruto was seen interacting with locals along Sagana Road despite the cold, asking residents whether they were prepared for his extended stay.
“I will be here for five days, are you ready? Have you prepared?” he asked a group of youths gathered to meet him.
The President also inquired about a local maize vendor who sold him roasted maize during a past visit, promising to check in on him.
Ruto is expected to participate in a live TV interview Monday night, directly addressing the concerns of the Mt Kenya electorate.
His itinerary includes meetings with elected leaders and grassroots mobilizers at Sagana State Lodge, where discussions on regional development projects are anticipated.
His arrival in Sagana comes against the backdrop of growing political friction between him and his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua.
Notably, Ruto chose to be driven to Sagana instead of flying, a move seen as a message to critics that he is firmly in control of the region’s political landscape.
The lodge is located a few kilometers from Gachagua’s Wamunyoro residence, further fueling speculation of underlying tensions within the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition.
As Ruto made his way into the region, Gachagua staged an impromptu visit to Wangige Market in Kiambu County, rallying residents to demand accountability from the President regarding the projects implemented since he took office.
Ruto’s Sagana visit is expected to focus on development projects, but the shifting political dynamics in Mt Kenya are likely to take center stage as he seeks to consolidate his support in a region that played a crucial role in his 2022 electoral victory.
