President William Ruto addressing Mt Kenya MPs at State House, Nairobi on March 20, 2025 /PCS
By Newsflash Team
President William Ruto’s planned visit to the Mt Kenya region remains uncertain as divisions emerge within his inner circle.
Some allies argue that the timing is inappropriate, particularly in light of recent political tensions and power struggles within his administration.
Concerns have been raised over the visit coinciding with the recent shake-up in Parliament, where key allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua were ousted from influential committees in both the National Assembly and the Senate.
Additionally, Ruto’s growing political alignment with ODM leader Raila Odinga—whom he fiercely criticized during his 2022 campaign—has left some of his supporters uneasy.
Calls for postponement
Some lawmakers close to the President believe that visiting Mt Kenya now could inflame political tensions rather than ease them.
“We acknowledge the importance of the President touring the region, but this might not be the right time,” a pro-Ruto MP said. “Many of us feel it would be wiser to let the political atmosphere settle first.”
Read also: Muturi to boycott Ruto’s Mt Kenya tour
Adding to the concerns, there have been reports of government officials, including local administrators, snubbing events organized by key Ruto allies such as Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro. Some observers believe this highlights the growing divide within the ruling coalition.
Nyoro, once a vocal defender of Ruto, recently revealed that he last spoke with the President in October 2024, coinciding with the impeachment proceedings against Gachagua—a vote in which he abstained. His recent silence on key political matters has only fueled speculation about strained relations with the President.
A Woman Representative allied to Ruto also voiced her reservations about the tour. She argued that launching old projects under new plaques, as seen in past visits, could reinforce perceptions that the government is failing to deliver on fresh promises.
“Instead of reopening projects that were initiated years ago, the President should focus on unveiling new initiatives that bring real value to the people,” she said.
Handshake politics and political fallout
During his last political tour of Mt Kenya in August 2023, Ruto sought to reassure his base that negotiations with Raila would not lead to a repeat of past “handshake” deals that disrupted government power structures. However, the latest developments indicate a shifting political landscape, leaving some of his allies skeptical about his long-term strategy.
Leaders like National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah previously dismissed any possibility of a political alliance with Raila, emphasizing that discussions at Serena Hotel were purely about national unity and electoral integrity. Yet, Ruto’s recent engagements with Raila suggest a softening stance, which some fear could alienate his Mt Kenya support base.
Push to proceed with tour
Despite opposition from some quarters, a section of Ruto’s allies insist that the tour must proceed as planned, arguing that canceling it would hand Gachagua an advantage by fueling claims that Ruto has sidelined the region.
MPs such as Njoroge Wainaina (Kieni), John Mutunga (Tigania East), and Eric Wamumbi (Mathira) maintain that the visit, set to begin on March 31, will be a critical moment in shaping Mt Kenya’s political future.
Wainaina emphasized that Ruto is still the President of the region and should be welcomed just as he has been in other parts of the country. “He will inspect key projects, issue title deeds, and oversee development initiatives,” he stated.
Read also: Kahiga boycotts Ruto’s meeting with Mt Kenya governors
To ensure a strong turnout, pro-Ruto leaders have already started mobilizing supporters. Billboards featuring Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, and local MPs have been erected, while grassroots meetings are being held to rally residents.
At a recent gathering, a Tigania East MP defended the President’s absence from a church event in Nyeri, dismissing claims that Ruto was avoiding the region. “He will be here, and we will come out in full force to welcome him. He remains our President,” he declared.
With political tensions still simmering, the upcoming Mt Kenya visit is shaping up to be a significant test of Ruto’s standing in a region that played a crucial role in his rise to power. Whether it strengthens his grip or exposes deeper fractures remains to be seen.
