You can’t dislodge me in Mt Kenya, Ruto tells Gachagua during Nyeri visit

PRESIDENT William Ruto has dismissed attempts by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to sink his political fortunes in the Mt Kenya region, saying the push is futile and doomed to fail.

Ruto said he enjoys a solid political and personal bond with residents.

The bond, he said, cannot be shaken by what he termed as “petty politics, falsehood and noise”. “The friendship that we have built has a foundation. Some think they can bring petty politics and noise to destroy the foundation that we built. That is not possible,” Ruto said.

He spoke during a Sunday service at ACK St Paul’s Church Kariki in Othaya, Nyeri county—Gachagua’s home turf.

The visit marked the first time in months that the head of state has visited Nyeri county, amid rising political temperatures following sustained attacks by Gachagua.

Gachagua has vowed to rally Mt Kenya voters to deny Ruto a second term in 2027.

Today, the President will camp in the county to oversee the disbursement of empowerment funds to the youths in the region.

Ruto reminded congregants that Mt Kenya overwhelmingly supported him in the 2022 general election, insisting that the bond forged during that campaign remains intact.

He warned political actors attempting to drive a wedge between him and the region that their efforts would come to nothing.

“That is not possible. Let them look for another job to do. We are going to walk together,” the President said.

Ruto defended his administration’s development agenda, saying it was anchored on commitments made to the people of Mt Kenya.

He cited investments in education, agriculture, business, roads, electricity and other infrastructure projects as evidence of his government’s performance.

“The government I am running has an agreement with you. You told me to address issues of education, agriculture, business, roads and electricity, and that is exactly what we are doing,” Ruto said.

He also dared his critics, including Gachagua, to face him at the ballot in next year’s general election, arguing that leadership should be judged on delivery rather than rhetoric.

“I know there will be an examination in 2027. Everyone will be evaluated based on the job they will have done,” he said. “We will face those who thrive on insults, falsehood and drama in 2027.”

“All those people who incite others, abuse people and cause drama, we will meet them at the ballot,” Ruto said.

The President was accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga and more than a dozen MPs.

The move was seen as a show of political strength aimed at countering narratives that his support in the region is waning.

Other leaders present were Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga, Nyeri Woman Representative Rahab Mukami, Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina, Othaya MP Michael Wainaina, Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge and Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi.

Mary Wamaua (Maragua), Joseph Kahangara (Lari), Simon King’ara (Ruiru) and nominated MP Sabina Chege were also present.