President William Ruto has declared that he will not bow to political pressure or individuals in pursuit of votes from the Mt Kenya region.

The President dismissed claims that certain leaders hold sway over the region’s voting patterns, accusing them of demanding political submission in exchange for support.

He criticised what he described as a culture of political intimidation, where dissenting voices are branded as betrayers, urging leaders to abandon arrogance and respect differing opinions.

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Citing scripture, he added that leadership should not be reduced to personal loyalty or worship of individuals.

“They are telling us that they are the ones to decide the places to get the votes and who will be elected where. They have also put me in that bracket as Kenya’s president. They want me to kneel before them, wash their sufurias, plates and cups at their place to get Mt Kenya’s votes, surely? How did we reach there? If you don’t agree with him, or kneel before him, he labels you a betrayer to the community,” Ruto said.

“I ask our leaders to stop arrogance, reduce it. You are all human beings like us. In Jeremiah 7: 15 says cursed is he who worships a human being.”

Ruto used the platform to defend his administration’s record, saying his government remains focused on delivering tangible development rather than engaging in political theatrics.

He outlined a series of ongoing and planned projects aimed at improving livelihoods and boosting economic growth.

Among the key projects highlighted was the allocation of Sh7 billion for the construction of the Nithi Bridge, as well as plans to upgrade the Makutano–Meru–Maua road into a dual carriageway to enhance connectivity in the region.

The President also pointed to investments in housing and education infrastructure, including Sh7.5 billion for 5,000 affordable housing units and Sh2.7 billion for student hostels with a 6,000-bed capacity.

In addition, he officially handed over the newly constructed Chuka Modern Market, a Sh300 million facility that forms part of a broader Sh1.5 billion programme to build 10 modern markets across Tharaka Nithi County.

Ruto said the projects reflect his administration’s commitment to addressing key challenges in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and infrastructure, insisting that his legacy will be defined by solutions, not excuses.

On Saturday, while in Murang'a, Ruto said his administration is implementing multi-billion-shilling projects in infrastructure, energy and social sectors as part of efforts to accelerate development in Murang’a County.

Speaking during a tour of the county, the Head of State said the government would not allow key projects to stall, vowing to complete the Sh30 billion Mau Mau road to improve connectivity and boost economic activity.

“We must ensure that the Mau Mau road project does not stop until it is fully completed,” Ruto said, adding that other feeder roads would also be prioritised.