President William Ruto concluded his highly anticipated Mt. Kenya development tour yesterday, marking his first visit to the region since the impeachment of his former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua. The tour, which began on April 1st in Nanyuki, Laikipia County, covered key counties in the Mt. Kenya region including Nyeri, Meru, Kirinyaga, Tharaka Nithi, Nyandarua, Murang’a, Embu, and wrapped up in Kiambu.
The week-long tour was preceded by a fiery press briefing at Sagana State Lodge on Monday, where President Ruto openly addressed his fallout with Gachagua. The President accused his former deputy of blackmail, alleging that Gachagua demanded Sh10 billion in exchange for political support in Mt Kenya region. Ruto revealed that he had twice intervened to save Gachagua from impeachment, but on the third attempt, MPs insisted on moving forward without his intervention.
Despite earlier speculations of a cold reception due to the political tensions, President Ruto was warmly received across the region. However, not all leaders shared in the goodwill. The visit turned into a litmus test for local politicians, exposing shifting alliances and the public’s sentiments on the ground.
The Gainers
1. Governor Kimani Wamatangi (Kiambu):
One of the biggest winners of the tour, Wamatangi enjoyed thunderous cheers every time he addressed crowds alongside the President. His popularity was evident in Kiambu where chants of “Kumi bila break” (ten years without a break) filled the air when he asked residents if they would re-elect him. His focus leadership and visible development work has solidified his position in the county.
2. Mary Wamaua (Maragua MP):
Once considered a staunch ally of the impeached Deputy President, Wamaua surprised many by pledging allegiance to President Ruto during the tour. Her bold move was met with cheers from locals, signaling a possible political realignment and boosting her standing among UDA loyalists. It was shocking how she did not receive backlash from his constituents.
The Losers
1. Kimani Ichung’wah (Kikuyu MP & Majority Leader):
Once a powerful voice in Parliament and a close associate of the President, Ichung’wah suffered a major political blow. He was booed in multiple counties including Nyandarua, Tharaka Nithi, and Kiambu, forcing him to cut short his speeches. The public backlash hints at a declining popularity and dissatisfaction with his recent political positioning.
2. Ann Wanjiku Muratha (Kiambu Woman Rep):
Muratha’s political fortunes took a hit during the President’s Kiambu visit. She was heckled every time she tried to speak, a sentiment that spilled online as she trended for the better part of Saturday. Her recent remarks and perceived disconnection with grassroots sentiments seem to have cost her public favor.
The No-Shows
A significant number of politicians allied to the former Deputy President chose to boycott the tour altogether. Their absence was noted, signaling a potential deepening of political divisions within the Mt. Kenya bloc. Whether their strategy pays off or backfires remains to be seen.
Conclusion
President Ruto’s Mt. Kenya tour was more than a development inspection—it was a political thermometer for the region. As the dust settles, it is clear that new alliances are forming while others fade. The tour served as a wake-up call for some leaders and a platform of rebirth for others. With Mt. Kenya remaining a crucial voting bloc, the political intrigues witnessed this past week are likely just the beginning.
