Ruto Dismisses Mt Kenya Support Claims

President William Ruto has responded to critics in the Mt Kenya region, dismissing claims that he risks losing support in the vote-rich bloc ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking in Nyeri on Thursday, the President said he would not be intimidated by political pressure or propaganda, insisting he would continue engaging the region that overwhelmingly backed his 2022 presidential bid.

Ruto’s remarks came a day after former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua appeared together at a funeral in Kirinyaga in what was widely interpreted as a symbolic political reconciliation.

During the event, Uhuru urged residents to make different political choices in future elections, warning against repeating what he described as past mistakes.

However, Ruto maintained that his focus remains on development and delivering on promises made to Kenyans.

“Some people are making noise, thinking I will abandon the people who voted for me. Am I mad? That is not possible. They should look for something else to do,” Ruto said.

He accused his opponents of attempting to use propaganda and political rhetoric to alienate him from Mt Kenya voters, saying such efforts would not succeed.

“Do they think they can intimidate me with street talk and propaganda? Claims of ‘must go’ and all that, I will face them head-on right here,” he said.

The President said leadership should be judged based on performance rather than political theatrics.

“Everyone should be measured by their work. Let those who engage in insults be judged by their insults, those who thrive on drama by their theatrics, and leaders like me by the work we do,” Ruto said.

He pointed to ongoing government programmes in agriculture and healthcare as part of his administration’s delivery agenda, noting that reforms in the coffee sector had already begun to yield results for farmers.

As part of his tour, the President attended the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA) oil consecration ceremony in Nyeri, where he reiterated that his visits to the region are development-driven.

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga also weighed in, questioning critics of the President’s engagements in the region and defending the government’s focus on service delivery.

“For those asking why I am working with the President, I have answered them. The government is at work. How can we expect development when our job is to disrupt it?” Kahiga said.

Ruto maintained that his administration will remain focused on delivering results while confronting critics directly.