President William Ruto’s recent development tour across Mt. Kenya, with notable stops in Nyeri and Laikipia counties, may have done more than launch projects—it reawakened a crucial political bond between the Head of State and a region that was pivotal in his 2022 election victory.
While political tides in Mt. Kenya have appeared to shift in recent months, with murmurs of discontent over economic hardships, leadership disagreements, and regional representation concerns, President Ruto’s visit has been seen by many as a timely political reset.
Ruto’s physical presence in Nyeri and Laikipia sent a clear message: Mt. Kenya still matters, and it is not being taken for granted.
His inspection of major ongoing projects like the 468-unit Ruring’u Affordable Housing Project, the KSh325 million Othaya modern market, and the recommissioning of Ruring’u Stadium under the Kenya Defence Forces shows a deliberate commitment to service delivery.
Political analyst Albert Kasembeli has noted that Ruto visit has served two purpose , one for project launch while also to strengthen his position in the region.
“What President Ruto is doing is what any clever politician would do—return to the people, show progress, and remind them that promises are being fulfilled. Mt. Kenya is pragmatic; if they see results, they’ll reward him politically.” he said
Indeed, residents cheered as he addressed their concerns—from water pricing reforms to youth unemployment. His calls for inclusive development and his reaffirmation of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) struck a familiar chord with the region’s business-savvy population.
In Laikipia, President Ruto continued the same narrative. He visited projects focusing on housing, agriculture, and infrastructure, reiterating that “development is not political; it is the government’s duty.” It’s a narrative that distances his agenda from tribal or factional politics—an issue that has divided Mt. Kenya in recent years.
According to Mercy Wanjiru, a governance researcher based in Nanyuki:
“Ruto’s visits are timely. People don’t want endless political noise; they want working markets, jobs, and functioning hospitals. If he delivers these, he may re-earn the loyalty that looked shaky.”
The region, once a firm UDA and Hustler Nation base, has seen increased political restlessness.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s strong calls for Mt. Kenya unity and internal supremacy battles have fueled the perception of cracks in the alliance. But Ruto’s warm reception may signal that the people are more interested in action than internal rivalries.
Still, the symbolism of the Nyeri and Laikipia visits cannot be dismissed. For many residents, the reappearance of the President, engaging directly with local concerns and offering tangible progress, rekindled a sense of connection.
As one trader in Othaya put it:
“We had started to doubt whether we were forgotten. But seeing the President here, speaking to us and breaking ground, has given us some hope again.”
With 2027 still far on the horizon, the question now is whether the warmth of these visits will translate into lasting loyalty—or whether the region’s famed political unpredictability will return.
