President William Ruto has dismissed concerns over political tensions ahead of his scheduled tour of the Mt. Kenya region, which begins on Tuesday.
During a roundtable interview with vernacular stations from the region on Monday, the President expressed confidence in his long-standing relationship with Mt. Kenya residents, despite recent political turmoil caused by the removal of his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua.
“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,” Ruto stated.
The President stated that his nine-county tour is intended to provide an account of his administration’s work to the region’s voters, who played an important role in his election.
“I am here because I was given a mandate by the people of Kenya, including those from Central Kenya. From tomorrow, it will be evident whether I have fulfilled my promises,” he added.
Addressing criticism from his former deputy, Ruto dismissed claims that he had neglected the region, citing infrastructure projects initiated under his leadership.
“I have heard some leaders claim that I have done nothing. But I was the one who started the road project from Marua, passing through Wamunyoro, where this same critic resides. That road was built under my leadership,” he said, in an apparent reference to Gachagua.
The visit coincides with growing political unrest in Mt. Kenya, with Gachagua establishing himself as the region’s opposition leader following dissatisfaction with the government.
The former deputy president has ramped up his attacks, warning Ruto against taking credit for projects initiated during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure.
During his tour, Ruto is expected to commission completed projects, inspect ongoing ones, and launch new initiatives across Laikipia, Nyeri, Meru, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Murang’a, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, and Kiambu counties.
