President Ruto lays the ground to reclaim Mt Kenya

President William Ruto has begun an aggressive courtship of Mt Kenya region in a tactical strategy to reclaim political dominance of a region whose vote propelled him to power.

With the new plan, Ruto has begun directly taking on his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua who has been seen as the new “king” of the mountain since his ouster at the helm of state power.

Ruto’s nine-county development tour and strategic appointments suggest a deliberate bid to weaken Gachagua’s influence.

Against expectation, Ruto spared principal secretaries from the region the axe in recent government changes despite earlier protestations that they were over-represented.

He also appointed Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku as Public Service Cabinet Secretary —replacing Justin Muturi — in a bid to neutralise potential backlash.

Some pundits say the calculative moves have contributed to the grand reception Ruto received in his various stops in the region.

During his Meru tour on Wednesday, Ruto was met with chants of “Igwe!” (King) as massive crowds welcomed him in Maua, Kiburi and Nkuene—the backyard of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who reportedly mobilised support.

He promised more jobs for Mt Kenya elites and that he would crush cartels frustrating miraa, milk, coffee and tea farmers.

A day before his tour, President Ruto held an interview with Kikuyu vernacular stations which had messages tailored for the Mt Kenya audience. Pundits say Ruto is laying a firm foundation to reclaim his grip on the region, presenting him with a fighting chance in 2027.

Analysts say he is preempting opposition tactics by embedding himself in Mt Kenya politics ahead of 2027.

“It seems he wants to upstage his opponents in Mt Kenya who expected him to shun the region. He is taking himself, not waiting to be taken — like Raila Odinga during his handshake with Uhuru Kenyatta,” political analyst Javas Bigambo said.

“The issue is even not about a fighting chance but what is his strategy and long-term agenda for Mt Kenya in regards to 2027,” he said.

For Bigambo, President Ruto appears ready ‘to fight tooth and nail and scoop a chunk of the Mt Kenya vote or scatter the bloc’.

“Ruto isn’t just fighting for a share of Mt Kenya’s votes — he is aiming to scatter the bloc if he can’t control it. His opponents are stuck holding Nairobi press conferences while he is on the ground selling his scorecard,” Bigambo said.

The President, on the second day of his Mt Kenya tour, exuded confidence that he would deliver his promise to the region.

In an apparent swipe at his former deputy and allies who suggested he had lost support in the region, the President said such efforts would amount to a nullity.

“Our 20-year friendship with Mt Kenya won’t be broken by anyone. I’ll ensure no region is left behind,” Ruto said. He said the region will not be isolated by the government.