President William Ruto has embarked on a five-day tour of the Mt. Kenya region, focusing on launching and inspecting critical infrastructure and health projects across nine counties.
Accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, local governors, and key leaders, Ruto will visit Nyeri, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Embu, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Tharaka-Nithi, Meru, and Murang’a.
The President’s visit will center on unveiling new projects, commissioning completed ones, and assessing ongoing developments.
Among the key initiatives are road networks, electricity expansion, water access, and healthcare facilities, aimed at improving the livelihoods of residents.
On Tuesday, Ruto is set to tour Rumuruti (Laikipia West), Nanyuki (Laikipia East), and Narumoru (Kieni, Nyeri County) before heading to Meru and Kirinyaga on Wednesday.
Ruto’s tour comes at a politically charged moment in the region following the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in October 2024.
In an exclusive interview at Sagana State Lodge on Monday night, the President blamed Gachagua for his downfall, citing poor leadership, infighting, and misplaced priorities.
“He was not working; he was always engaged in fights, constantly complaining about officials, including bloggers like Dennis Itumbi. I had to intervene every time until I got tired,” Ruto said.
He further alleged that Gachagua had demanded Ksh10 billion to manage Mt. Kenya politics, threatening that Ruto would be a one-term president if he refused.
“I refused when he asked me for Ksh10 billion, saying that if I didn’t give him the money, I would be a one-term president. This is someone I repeatedly shielded from impeachment when leaders sought his removal for intimidation, but at some point, I gave up,” Ruto stated.
Following the President’s remarks, Gachagua responded sharply on social media, accusing Ruto of dishonesty. In a tweet, he wrote:
“I am now convinced more than ever before, that pathological lying is a mental disorder. The greatest existential threat to our beloved country is outright lying to the people of Kenya without blinking and failure by a leader to put his team together to harmonise their lies. I weep for my country, Kenya.”
The impeachment has divided Mt. Kenya politics, with some voters expressing dissatisfaction with how Ruto handled the situation and vowing not to support his 2027 re-election bid.
Despite the political tensions, Ruto remains confident about his long-standing relationship with the region.
“I have been visiting Mt. Kenya for over 20 years. This is not a friendship of months or days; it is one built over decades. Such a bond cannot be questioned based on a few months of political shifts,” he asserted.
During the tour, Ruto is expected to engage directly with local communities, updating them on his administration’s progress, particularly in infrastructure, housing, and market development projects aimed at boosting the region’s economy.
He dismissed claims that his administration had neglected Mt. Kenya, citing ongoing road projects like the Marua-Wamunyoro road as proof of continued investment in the region.
Ruto also addressed the recent dismissal of former Attorney General Justin Muturi, accusing him of failing in his duties.
“When I moved him to the Cabinet, he absconded meetings,” Ruto claimed, referencing Muturi’s public missteps on issues like the abduction of youth.
As part of his development agenda, Ruto will launch and inspect multi-billion-shilling projects targeting small-scale traders, farmers, and local businesses. Among them is the construction of modern fresh produce markets, part of a larger national plan to establish 500 such markets across the country.
The President’s visit is expected to shape Mt. Kenya’s political and economic future, as he seeks to solidify his support ahead of the 2027 elections while delivering key development projects to the region.
