When President William Ruto ascended to power as Kenya’s fifth President, his popularity in the Mount Kenya region was unmatched.
Rising through a strategic alliance with former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2013, Ruto cemented his foothold by projecting himself as the region’s advocate and a leader who understood their needs.
However, the bond that propelled him to power unraveled swiftly, leaving him scrambling to redefine his political identity.
Initially, Ruto’s mastery of Mount Kenya’s political dynamics was evident.
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His use of Kikuyu greetings such as “Mwathani agocwo” (Praise God) and “Ngai ni mwega” (God is good) coupled with frequent visits, grassroots fundraising, and thanksgiving events earned him admiration.
His decisive victory in the 2022 polls, where he garnered overwhelming support from the region, cemented his position as their political kingpin.
However, cracks emerged following the introduction of the controversial Finance Bill of 2024, which proposed burdensome taxes that triggered nationwide protests, especially among the youth.
Mount Kenya, Ruto’s once-reliable base, turned against him.
This animosity was evident in public rejections at funerals and church events, such as the infamous heckling during a condolence message in Murang’a County and Embu County’s hostile reception during a bishop’s consecration.
Adding fuel to the fire was Ruto’s souring relationship with his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua.
The fallout culminated in Gachagua’s impeachment in October 2024, with Ruto accusing him of tribal politics and undermining government unity.
Political analyst Albert Kasembeli argues that Ruto’s undoing in Mount Kenya was his overreliance on short-term populism rather than sustainable development.
“Ruto had the goodwill, but his policies alienated the very people who championed his presidency. He underestimated the sensitivity of Mount Kenya voters to economic challenges,” says Kasembeli.
Edwin Mwangi, a Former ward aspirant and a governance expert, echoes similar sentiments.
“The introduction of new taxes without adequate public engagement was a turning point. Coupled with the Gachagua saga, it created a narrative of betrayal. Mount Kenya voters felt abandoned, and Ruto lost the trust he had painstakingly built.” he said.
Faced with mounting hostility, Ruto pivoted to Nyanza, Raila Odinga’s stronghold, in an attempt to shore up his political base.
The President’s formation of a broad-based government, which included Raila’s allies such as Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya, signaled a shift in his strategy.
His visits to Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Migori were met with euphoric receptions, a stark contrast to the resistance he faced in the mountain region.
Charles Mwangi ,JKUAT don and political analyst , views this as a calculated move.
“Nyanza has historically provided a safe haven for presidents seeking to stabilize their rule. Ruto is following a familiar script. However, it remains to be seen whether this newfound alliance can translate into long-term political gains,” he observes.
Ruto’s pivot to Nyanza mirrors strategies employed by his predecessors.
From Moi’s pact with Jaramogi Oginga Odinga in the 1990s to Uhuru Kenyatta’s handshake with Raila in 2018, the region has often served as a political refuge.
Political players argue that for now, Ruto’s story underscores the fluid nature of Kenyan politics.
As he navigates the fallout from Mount Kenya and cultivates new alliances, his ability to reinvent himself in a polarized landscape will determine his legacy.
Whether he can reclaim his lost ground or solidify his newfound base remains the question on every political observer’s mind.
