Ruto: Those saying I’ve sidelined Mt Kenya, is Kindiki from Nyanza?

President William Ruto has dismissed claims that his administration is sidelining leaders from the Mt Kenya region, arguing that his government remains inclusive and rooted in long-standing political relationships.

The President questioned critics of his government composition, citing Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in his defence.

Speaking on Wednesday during a meeting with grassroots leaders from Kirinyaga County at State House, Nairobi, the President said that his relationship with the Mt Kenya region remains strong, describing it as long-standing and politically grounded.

“There are people who are claiming I have removed Mt Kenya leaders from the government. I want to ask you, is Deputy President Kithure Kindiki from Nyanza?” he said.

“Mt Kenya people are my friends. Our friendship goes way back. We agreed to support former President Uhuru Kenyatta and served for 10 years. They then voted for me because I helped them. I do not need to be introduced by anyone to the people of Mt Kenya,” he added.

On Sunday, Ruto defended his deputy Kindiki, dismissing critics and onslaughts against him. The president praised Kindiki as a visionary and hard-working leader who has remained focused on service delivery.

Ruto said that since assuming office, Kindiki has traversed the country supporting the implementation of key development projects, including markets, roads, electricity, water and affordable housing.

“I want to say this: Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is wise and a person who has vision. He does not have pride or disrespect. He is hard-working. Since he became the Deputy President, he has toured the country to help me with development projects like markets, roads, electricity, water and affordable housing,” Ruto said.

He urged critics to abandon what he termed as ego, contempt and tribalism, emphasising that Kindiki holds the office of Deputy President by constitutional mandate and by God’s plan.

During the meeting with Kirinyaga grassroots leaders, Ruto highlighted ongoing development projects in the county, saying they are part of his broader economic transformation agenda.

He said the government is supporting farmers growing coffee, tea, avocado and milk to increase incomes, and announced that 13 milk coolers will be delivered to the county next month to improve storage and reduce post-harvest losses.

On housing, he said the government has invested Sh15 billion in 4,000 affordable housing units, with projects in Gichugu and Kirinyaga reportedly ready for handover.

He also cited Sh1.5 billion invested in 12 modern markets, three of which are already complete, alongside student housing projects meant to accommodate 4,000 university and college students.

In healthcare, Ruto said county facilities are being equipped with medical equipment worth Sh330 million. He added that plans are underway to establish a KEMRI research centre in Mwea and construct a Level 4 hospital with Sh200 million allocated.

On infrastructure and energy, the President said 19,000 households have already been connected to electricity, with an additional 9,500 set for connection in the next financial year.

He also noted that Sh6 billion has been allocated to complete road projects in the county.