A view of Mt Kenya. Photo/National Museums of Kenya
By Wanderi Kamau
As President William Ruto prepares for a crucial visit to Mt Kenya, a region that overwhelmingly voted for him in the 2022 general elections, he faces a growing wave of political discontent.
Once his strongest support base, Mt Kenya is increasingly slipping from his grip due to a combination of political betrayals, economic frustrations, and emerging political realignments.
From the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to the region’s economic grievances, the once-loyal constituency is now questioning its political allegiance to Ruto.
The Rigathi Gachagua factor: A betrayal too fresh to forget
The October 2024 impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua remains a sore wound in Mt Kenya. Gachagua, seen as the region’s political kingpin, was ousted in a dramatic Senate trial, a move orchestrated by Ruto’s allies.
The impeachment was widely perceived as a betrayal of Mt Kenya’s interests, especially given that Gachagua was the most senior political figure from the region in government.
Read more: Why Mt Kenya is ‘angry’ with Kimani Ichung’wa
In an interview on Kameme FM on Monday, 17 March, 2025, Gachagua did not hold back his criticism of the Kenya Kwanza government, claiming that Ruto’s administration had turned its back on the people who propelled it to power.
“We fought so hard to put this government in office, but look at how we have been treated. The people of Mt Kenya are watching,” Gachagua lamented.
The purge of Gachagua’s allies from key positions
Beyond Gachagua’s impeachment, a purge of his allies from influential Parliamentary and Senate Committees has deepened disillusionment in the region. Notably, Ndindi Nyoro, a once-powerful Gachagua ally, was recently removed as Chairperson of the Budget and Appropriations Committee—a position that gave him influence over national development projects.
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, a close ally of Gachagua, condemned these moves, arguing that Ruto’s government was deliberately alienating Mt Kenya.
“The people of Mt Kenya are tired of being used and discarded. If Ruto does not correct this, he will face a serious political backlash,” Nyutu warned.
Unfulfilled development promises
During the 2022 campaign, Ruto made numerous pledges to Mt Kenya, many of which remain unfulfilled. The stalled Mau Mau roads project, a key infrastructural promise meant to honor the region’s freedom fighters, has not progressed. Similarly, critical agricultural reforms in tea, coffee, dairy, and macadamia sectors—all central to Mt Kenya’s economy—have yet to materialize.
Political analyst Ken Kamoche notes that Ruto’s failure to deliver on these promises could cost him significant support:
“Mt Kenya is a pragmatic region. People here vote based on economic interests. If you fail to deliver, you lose their trust.”
Tax policies hurting businesses
A major source of discontent in Mt Kenya is Ruto’s aggressive tax policies, which have disproportionately affected the region’s business community. With a high percentage of Mt Kenya residents engaged in entrepreneurship and trade, increased taxation has squeezed profits and led to widespread frustration.
Read more:How Raila controls Ruto’s 2027 presidential bid
“Ruto’s tax policies are killing businesses,” lamented a trader in Nyeri. “We voted for him thinking he would support hustlers, but instead, he has made it impossible for small businesses to survive.”
The Raila Odinga factor: A political gamble gone wrong?
Ruto’s decision to incorporate opposition leader Raila Odinga into the government has further alienated Mt Kenya voters. The region overwhelmingly rejected Raila in 2022, yet he is now being positioned as a key political figure in the administration. Gachagua has claimed that 10 Principal Secretary positions are set to be given to Raila’s allies at the expense of Mt Kenya leaders.
“Mt Kenya voted 47% against Raila. Now he is being rewarded while our people are being kicked out. This is political betrayal,” a senior Mt Kenya politician said anonymously.
Rising insecurity and the abduction wave
Another issue stirring anger in the region is the recent wave of abductions and extrajudicial killings. Some of the victims have been young people from Mt Kenya, fueling fears that the government is not prioritizing their security.
A political analyst based in Kiambu, who requested anonymity, argues that the perception of state-sponsored repression is eroding Ruto’s support in the region.
“The people of Mt Kenya want security, not fear. If the government does not address this, it risks alienating the youth vote completely.”
The Maina Njenga factor: A political wild card
Former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga is increasingly being seen as a government-backed project to neutralize Gachagua’s influence. Njenga, once an outcast, has made a remarkable political comeback, attracting large crowds in his recent meetings across the region.
His resurgence has raised suspicions that Ruto is attempting to split the Mt Kenya vote ahead of 2027.
Read more: Revealed: Why Mudavadi, Weta skipped Ruto, Raila event
“This is a classic divide-and-rule tactic. But will it work? Mt Kenya is wiser,” observed Gicheha Mwangi, a political commentator.
The Kithure Kindiki factor: Struggling to fill Gachagua’s shoes
Since Gachagua’s impeachment, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has been positioned as the new political face of Mt Kenya. However, his influence remains limited, especially in Mt Kenya West, which includes Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri, and Kirinyaga.
A resident in Murang’a summed up the region’s sentiment:
“Kindiki is a good leader, but he is not one of us. He is not the kind of politician who can rally the masses.”
Conclusion: Can Ruto salvage his Mt Kenya support?
With all these factors working against him, Ruto’s upcoming visit to Mt Kenya is not just a routine political tour—it is a damage control mission. The region that once stood firmly behind him is now fractured and disillusioned.
If he fails to address these grievances—Gachagua’s impeachment, economic struggles, taxation issues, unfinished projects, and rising insecurity—he risks a political revolt that could significantly alter the 2027 electoral landscape.
Political analyst Martin Andati offers a final warning:
“Mt Kenya is known for its political loyalty, but that loyalty is never unconditional. Ruto has serious work to do if he hopes to reclaim this region.”
