Ruto takes 2027 battle to Gachagua’s Mt Kenya doorstep

President William Ruto has rolled out an elaborate strategy to win back the hearts of Mt Kenya loyalists after months of uncertainty over the vote-rich region’s direction in the 2027 poll battle.

In a direct challenge to his estranged deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, Ruto has taken the fight to the region’s doorstep, deploying a twin strategy of high-profile development promises and heavy political rhetoric to reclaim his base.

His team has been holding a series of meetings with residents to marshal support for the UDA party, while mobilising local leaders to fast-track and champion government projects.

The core message, aimed at countering Gachagua’s sustained criticism, is that the Kenya Kwanza administration has delivered on its promises and tangible progress is visible across the region.

The President’s allies have also been active in harambees and fund drives for churches and community groups, securing crucial photo-ops and delivering donations reported to reach up to Sh50 million.

Speaking at a church service in Kiambu on Sunday, hosted by Archbishop Samson Muthuri and Gatundu North MP Njoroge Kururia, Ruto made a passionate appeal for unity and patience.

"Unity is strength. I want to ask the good people of the great county of Kiambu to be patient and unite. I am ready to work with the leaders here to take this county forward," he said.

He sought to decouple the upcoming UDA party grassroots elections from the 2027 general election, framing the former as a mere internal affair.

"I see politics is heated. The election in January is for the UDA party; let’s not confuse it with governor races. Let’s handle it first, then do 2027 based on what someone has delivered." 

The President then unveiled a list of infrastructural commitments for Kiambu, presenting himself as the region’s true development champion.

He promised to deliver roads requested by local MPs, complete the Thika to Magumo road, and dual the Muthaiga-Ndumberi road starting in February 2026.

Ruto highlighted progress on the Mau Mau road, which he said had advanced from 20 per cent to 60 per cent completion under his watch.

The President announced that feasibility studies for the Thika Expressway were complete and construction would begin early next year.

While acknowledging the previous administration's efforts, Ruto positioned his vision as vastly more ambitious.

"The Uhuru Kenyatta regime achieved 10,000 kilometres [of roads], and I have unveiled a vision for 28,000 kilometres," he said.

He dismissed critics with a swipe, "You are the ones who cannot. For us, we have a formula. You are not the problem, you don’t just have a plan."

In a clear swipe at Gachagua and other critics, Ruto asked residents to dismiss leaders ‘pushing them out of government, accusing them of failing to deliver even basic projects to their own villages.

"They have never done any meaningful projects, just politics. This is why they don’t believe we are building houses, hostels, markets, employing teachers and so on," he asserted, listing a record number of teachers hired, reduced farm input costs, 400 new markets, and health facilities with a 180,000-student capacity.

He emphasised the housing levy, noting, "There is no county with a higher budget for housing than Kiambu, which has Sh48 billion," with additional billions for markets, hostels, and roads.

The call was echoed by allied MPs, who used the platform to launch Ruto’s two-term campaign in the region.

Majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah said, "Kiambu gave you the highest number of votes. Even in 2027, Kiambu will be the majority vote for the two-term bid."

He contrasted ‘verifiable programmes and projects that we can feel, see, and touch’ under Ruto with the “mere rhetoric of opponents".

Host MP Njoroge Kururia cited achieved projects, Kamwangi law court, a Huduma centre, and new markets, while presenting a new list of requests, including road upgrades and a level 5 hospital.

Using an analogy, he affirmed his loyalty, "As an MP looking for development, where should I be? I am for two terms, and I am not leaving Ruto’s camp."

Other leaders who accompanied Ruto, among them CS Alice Wahome, reinforced the narrative.

Laikipia West MP Wachira Karani criticised Senator Okiya Omtatah for opposing health funding, while Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi thanked Ruto for unlocking a stalled road.

Kiambaa MP Njuguna Kawanjiku pledged to stick by Ruto, and a Senate aspirant dismissed the opposition as "the noise of frogs".

Murang'a Woman Representative Betty Maina assured Ruto, "Your vote for two terms is assured. We will support you, not leaders who want us to engage in unnecessary noise."

INSTANT ANALYSIS

In coupling lavish development pledges with a direct appeal for legacy and unity, Ruto is betting that concrete promises and the power of incumbency will outweigh the potent politics of grievances. The battle for Mt Kenya, a kingmaker in the country’s politics, has now been fully joined, setting the stage for a fierce and defining contest in the run-up to 2027.