- President William Ruto's scheduled visit to Mount Kenya caused unease among some supporters of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
- Murang'a Senator Joe Nyutu stated that he plans to participate in the President's rallies with the intention of expressing his frustration directly to the President. He mentioned that this anger reflects the sentiments prevalent in their region.
- Gatanga Member of Parliament Edward Muriu advised Ruto to refrain from mentioning Gachagua at any of his events.
Kai Eli, a journalist working for INSPIRATIONS DIGITAL.co.ke, comes with over three years of expertise in reporting on politics and contemporary issues in Kenya.
A group of Mount Kenya area politicians associated with ex-deputy president Rigathi Gachgua are looking forward to meeting President William Ruto. They intend to hold him accountable on crucial matters concerning their region.
The president plans to make a working visit to the area soon after several months without any appearances, following his conflict with Gachgua, an issue that eventually led to Gachagua's removal from office through impeachment.
On Thursday, March 20, the president welcomed a group of elected officials from the Mt Kenya area to State House in Nairobi. This meeting was aimed at preparing for his inaugural trip to the region, which would take place several months following Gachagna's impeachment.
How Ruto will be welcomed in the Mount Kenya region
Murang'a Senator Joe Nyutu, a strong supporter of the ex-deputy president, stated that he plans to participate in Ruto's gatherings and look for an opportunity to speak with him about particular issues.
Nyutu, during a Citizens TV interview, mentioned that one of his queries would concern why the president appears to be at odds with Mt Kenya region and allegedly orchestrating targeted removals of indigenous individuals from positions within both the Executive branch and the two chambers of Parliament.
He stated that the president does not have anything fresh to present concerning regional progress.
"Ruto is welcome at Mount Kenya since it’s within Kenya, and no one can stop him from touring any area of the nation. However, what we’re emphasizing is that he shouldn’t use this visit to initiate new projects; instead, he ought to discuss those he previously announced and their current status. We wish for clear answers regarding his intentions toward our region. Despite having been supported by overwhelming votes here and considering he isn’t originally from around these parts, he seems to have unleashed critics who label us as tribalistic," stated Nyutu.
Being his first visit ever since Gachagua was ousted from office, Nyutu said the president will have to explain why he ditched his former deputy despite his sacrifices and commitments in the 2022 vote to help him win that year's election.
"Why isn’t he able to maintain loyal friendships? Why is he pushing away those who stood by him in this region? We hope he’ll assure us that he can stay true to both his friends and his commitments. We also wish for clarity on whether he still faces issues with our region… I plan to join his upcoming rallies in Murang’a, where I intend to pose these questions directly and demand explanations,” stated Nyutu.
Gatanga MP Edward Muriu warned President Ruto not to lure the residents of Mt Kenya region with new development initiatives, as the previous projects he initiated failed to materialize.
The lawmaker predicted a hostile reception for Ruto should he provoke the citizens with his rhetoric.
What Gachauga's supporters prefer Ruto not to discuss
For example, he warned the president not to mention Gachgua in any of his meetings.
He suggested that the impeachment of the previous deputy president continues to trouble the area, and bringing it up again in any form would only exacerbate the situation.
The member of parliament also warned the president not to disclose his alliance with ODM leader Raila Odinga, stating that the area is still recovering from what was perceived as a betrayal he engineered.
Muria cautioned Ruto that venturing into the area with his typical rhetoric and arrogance would lead to embarrassment, since the disengaged populace from the Mt Kenya region is prepared to voice their discontent towards him and his administration.
My suggestion is, when you visit avoid mentioning any specific leaders like Rigathi Gachgua. The hurt from being betrayed remains intense and profound. Also, refrain from talking about your agreement with Raila or expressing joy over it. Avoid discussing SHA, Affordable Housing, and the Hustler Fund too. If you bring these up, expect boos since many residents of the Mountain region see such claims as deceitful,” stated the MP through X.
Why Should Ruto Disregard Mt Kenya?
The president's trip occurs several months following Gachagna's suggestion for him to exclude Mt Kenya from his list of supportive strongholds.
Gachauga stated that the voters grew to dislike Ruto after his impeachment and the subsequent removal of Mt Kenya natives from key Cabinet roles and significant committees within the National Assembly.
The ex-deputy president has decided to join forces with other political figures for the 2027 election, including Kalonzo Musyoka from the Wiper party and Martha Karua of the PLP.
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