Political tensions rise as Ruto plans first Mt Kenya visit since Gachagua exit

A section of leaders from Embu County has expressed optimism that President ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/national/article/2001514690/why-president-ruto-is-blowing-hot-and-cold-over-mt-kenya-tour">William Ruto's planned visit to the Mt Kenya region< will unlock development opportunities for the area.

This comes amid growing discontent from other leaders who oppose Ruto’s leadership, arguing that he has done little to transform the country.

While some doubt the visit will bring meaningful change, others see it as a chance to showcase progress in various sectors and engage directly with the President.

Governor Cecily Mbarire, who is also the UDA Chairperson, ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/ktn/ktn-leo/video/2000228526/president-ruto-set-to-start-visit-to-mt-kenya-region-for-the-first-time-after-gachaguas-ouster">emphasised the importance of the visit<.

"The people are excited to welcome the President, and we are confident that his visit will be beneficial for both Embu and the larger Mt Kenya region," she said.

Mbarire highlighted that many development projects are either completed or nearing completion, offering the President an opportunity to inspect them.

She noted that due to time constraints, ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/politics/article/2001514275/fear-of-heckling-as-ruto-allies-prepare-for-mt-kenya-tour">not all projects could be covered<, and a follow-up visit might be necessary.

She urged residents to turn out in large numbers, stressing that the region’s political alignment is crucial for its development.

Senator Alexander Mundigi rallied the people to show strong support for the visit, dismissing critics like Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, who had downplayed the significance of the tour.

Mundigi called the visit "unstoppable" and asserted that it would bolster Ruto’s standing in the region.

"The plans are already in advanced stages, and this tour will bring new development projects and financial allocations," he said.

Runyenjes MP Eric Muchangi expressed hope that the ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/ktn/ktn-prime/video/2000228533/shifting-political-tides-government-reshuffle-rutos-mt-kenya-tour">President would fulfil his promises to the people<, urging them to welcome him warmly.

"We voted for this government, and we expect more development," he said, emphasising the need for tangible progress.

In contrast, Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, a vocal critic of both the President and the ruling Kenya Kwanza party, voiced concerns about the tour.

"If the President wants to know the truth, he should hold sessions to listen to the people, as he did during the 2022 campaigns. If this is another attempt to mobilise crowds with money to cheer him on, it will not be beneficial," Mukunji warned.

Ngari Mbaka, the Leader of Minority at the Embu County Assembly, highlighted the tour as an opportunity to remind the President of his promises. He pointed to key projects, including the Kiritiri-Kiambere road upgrade and the Kamburu water project, which require urgent attention.

Historically, Mt Kenya has been a decisive region in Kenya’s political landscape.

In the 2022 elections, the region played a crucial role in Ruto’s victory. However, political dynamics have shifted since the controversial impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, leading to internal divisions. Gachagua, once seen as the region’s political kingpin, remains a polarising figure, and his ouster has fuelled rifts among local leaders.

Ruto’s upcoming tour will be his first since Gachagua’s impeachment, coming at a time when political alliances are shifting in the region. His recent pact with ODM leader Raila Odinga has raised eyebrows in Mt Kenya, where Odinga was soundly rejected in the 2022 election. This new alliance has sparked anxiety among some leaders, further testing Ruto’s political standing.

In a notable development, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, a prominent figure from Mt Kenya, announced that he would not accompany the President on this tour. His absence has added to the growing sense of uncertainty and political flux in the region.