SAGANA, Kenya – President William Ruto has dismissed claims that his absence from Mt Kenya over the past six months signals waning support in the region, insisting he has a strong development track record to showcase.
Speaking during a live television interview on Monday night ahead of his five-day tour, the President said his critics will be “shocked” by the projects he has implemented.
“It has taken me months to be here, but I have a scorecard. I will show what I have done in electricity, affordable housing, markets, and more from tomorrow,” Ruto said.
He brushed off speculation that he had avoided the region due to hostility, asserting that his focus has been on service delivery rather than political optics.
“I will camp in Mt Kenya until people start asking whether I have no other region to visit,” he quipped.
The President’s visit comes amid political tensions, with some leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of riding on projects initiated by his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, rather than delivering new ones.
Ruto, however, maintains that his tour is not about responding to critics but about showcasing achievements.
“You cannot assess my support in Mt Kenya based on a few months of absence. I have built a strong friendship with the people here,” he said.
His visit will cover key sectors such as infrastructure, electricity connectivity, housing, and agriculture.
The trip is expected to be a test of Ruto’s grip on a region that played a crucial role in his election but has recently seen political shifts and internal wrangles within the ruling coalition.
