Mt Kenya Leaders Retreat Home, Lay Ground for Ruto’s Tour of Region After 6 Months: “Karibu Mlima”

• President William Ruto is set for a week-long development tour of Mt Kenya after a six-month absence, aiming to reinforce his presence post-Rigathi Gachagua’s ouster
• Leaders emphasise Ruto’s tour will spotlight infrastructure and housing projects, avoiding political tensions linked to his fallout with his ex-deputy
• While some have welcomed the development agenda, others remain skeptical, with critics doubting the visit will mend Ruto’s strained ties with the region
• Supporters of the ousted deputy president have dismissed the tour’s significance, citing unresolved political rifts and recent sidelining of his allies

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi - Mt Kenya leaders allied with President William Ruto have returned to their constituencies in preparation for the president’s highly anticipated visit.

After a six-month absence from the region, Ruto is set to embark on a week-long development tour aimed at reinforcing his presence and addressing concerns that have emerged since the impeachment of his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua.

Read also

Kenyan Newspapers, March 26: Rigathi Gachagua tones down onslaught on Ruto as president visits Mt Kenya

While the president’s official itinerary remains undisclosed, reports suggest that the head of state will engage in launching and inspecting various development projects.

In preparation for his visit, large billboards bearing messages of welcome have been erected in major towns across the region.

In Nyeri county, one such billboard prominently features images of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi, emblazoned with the words welcoming him.

"Karibu mlima," reads the invitation to the president to return to the region that played a key role in his 2022 electoral victory.

In preparation for the visit, contractors have intensified efforts to rehabilitate key roads, ensuring they are in top condition for presidential inspection.

Other projects, including water initiatives and affordable housing schemes, are also expected to be showcased.

"We have so many projects that the president is coming to inspect, road projects, water projects, affordable housing projects, and we are happy and we are going to receive him because he is going to for a whole week, not for politics but inspecting projects that are going on. The president will visit this mountain anytime he wants and anytime he wishes," Wamumbi stated.

Read also

Gen Z's unyielding voice: A new political challenge for William Ruto

What is Ruto's message for Mt Kenya?

The visit comes amid mixed reactions from residents and political figures, with some welcoming the development-focused approach and others expressing skepticism.

Local leaders insist that Ruto must focus on tangible progress rather than politics, particularly following the fallout with his former deputy Gachagua.

"The Mt Kenya voter has decided that they are not going with Ruto, so I don't believe him talking about politics or talking about Rigathi Gachagua will be good for him. So I'm sure his advisors or his handlers will tell him to dwell more on the development, what he has in plan for Mt Kenya to try and lure them back to him because he's sure if he brings in topics about Gachagua, he's now creating, you know, pulling them away rather than bringing them together," one resident noted.

However, allies of Gachagua have downplayed the significance of Ruto’s visit, arguing that it will do little to mend the growing divide between the president and the region.

Read also

Justin Muturi plans to skip William Ruto’s Mt. Kenya tour, explains reasons: "Have no business"

The visit follows a recent political shake-up that saw Gachagua’s allies ousted from influential committees in both the Senate and the National Assembly, fueling speculation that the tour is an attempt to quell discontent.

Mwangaza dismisses Ruto's tour

In a related report, former Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza sarcastically suggested that Ruto's visit to the region would be to launch her impeachment project.

Mwangaza, known for her unconventional style, made the quip during a public event, drawing laughter from supporters.

The governor faced multiple impeachment attempts since her election, with opponents accusing her of governance irregularities.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke