The President started the New Year by camping in Nyeri and its environs for three days, holding a series of public engagements and development meetings in Othaya, Nyeri Town and Mathira constituencies.
The President was back in the mountain at the weekend, meeting Nyeri county UDA grassroots leaders’ meeting at Sagana State Lodge.
Nyeri, and particularly Mathira, is the political bedroom of Gachagua, who has declared himself the Mt Kenya kingpin.
The visit marked yet another sustained effort yet to claw back support in a region that has grown increasingly hostile since his fallout with his former deputy.
His previous tour of the region was in April last year.
During the tour last week, President Ruto dangled the carrot, rolling out projects worth more than Sh21 billion, framing development delivery as his primary pitch to voters.
Ruto told residents that he was implementing the promises he made to the people in 2022, and he would not be foolish to let down the people that vote him to power.
The announcements included plans to construct 8,000 affordable housing units, build 20 modern markets, and put up hostels to accommodate 7,200 students across the region.
The President also commissioned the Karatina Marigiti market and inspected the Marua Interchange, a key component of the 84-km Kenol–Sagana–Marua road project.
In a twist, Ruto announced the project would be extended to Nyeri Town and Chaka on the Marua-Nanyuki highway, a move that is not only expected to improve connectivity among Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a and Laikipia counties, but also assuage residents of the region.
“In Nyeri County, more than eight major roads are being upgraded this financial year at a cost of Sh4 billion,” President Ruto said.“We will also build a dual carriageway from the Marua Interchange to Nyeri Town and extend it to Chaka trading centre.”
The heavy emphasis on infrastructure, housing and markets appeared designed to counter accusations from critics in the region that the government has sidelined Mt Kenya, despite its decisive support for Ruto in the 2022 election.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who accompanied the President, paraded all the senior executive leaders from the region, from CSs, PSs, Secretary to the Cabinet, and parastatal chiefs.
The move was interpreted as a response to Gachagua, who has claimed that state officers from the region are being targeted and being removed from office.
However, the President’s tour did not go uncontested.
Two days before Ruto arrived in Nyeri, Gachagua held a series of meetings in Nyeri town and Kagio in neighbouring Kirinyaga county, a pre-emptive move aimed at blunting the political impact of the President’s visit.
Allies of the former deputy president described the meetings as part of a broader strategy to consolidate his grip on the region and reaffirm his status as the Mt Kenya kingpin.
The competing and coordinated appearances underlined the growing rivalry between the two leaders, whose relationship imploded following Gachagua’s impeachment and removal from office in November 2024.
Since then, Mt Kenya has emerged as the primary theatre of their political confrontation, with both sides keenly aware that the region’s voting power could be decisive in 2027 general election. In 2022, the region voted for Ruto almost to a man.
Nyeri county has 481,632 registered voters of the estimated 5.8 million in Mt Kenya region.
As President Ruto attended a church service in Othaya, Gachagua was in Gatundu, Kiambu county, where he publicly declared unity with retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.
His announcement was widely interpreted as an attempt by Gachagua to consolidate the mountain vote under the broad “Wantam” front, bringing together the former President’s political networks and resources to challenge Ruto.Gachagua has since impeachment cast himself as the region’s chief defender, accusing the Kenya Kwanza administration and President Ruto of betrayal and economic neglect.
His messaging has resonated with sections of the electorate in the region, pitching the region against the President.
In a radio interview on Kameme Fm on Monday, Gachagua struck a confident tone, saying he was certain of delivering the Mt Kenya vote to the opposition. He also claimed influence over Nairobi and the Maa-speaking regions, positioning himself as a central figure in the United Opposition.
The President’s tour was a clear signal that he was ready to directly engage the people and reconnect with them by demonstrating inclusion in development.
“We are developing all parts of Kenya without discrimination in our mission of transforming Kenya into a first-world economy. We will unite, and work with all leaders, to accelerate the realisation of this dream,” he said.
His allies such as Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi, argue that development, rather than political rhetoric, will ultimately determine where residents will cast their votes in 2027.
Comments 0
Sign in to join the conversation
Sign In Create AccountNo comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!