President William Ruto is set to address over 18,000 grassroots leaders in Nyeri County today at Sagana State Lodge, marking a renewed push to consolidate support in Mt Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The audience will include 11,480 officials elected during last week’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) polls across 574 polling stations in Nyeri County, as well as MPs, MCAs, 7,000 residents, church leaders, elders, and other community representatives.
Follow-Up to Recent Tour
Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi explained that today’s gathering is a continuation of President Ruto’s recent tour of Nyeri, where he attended a church service in Othaya and launched the Nyota Youth Programme, covering Nyeri, Nyandarua, Murang’a, and Kirinyaga counties.
“The President was impressed by the warm reception he received from Nyeri residents,” said MP Wamumbi. “During today’s forum, he will update them on progress made in fulfilling promises from the 2022 campaigns, including road projects, agricultural initiatives, water provision, education, and other development programs.”
Development Agenda as a Strategy
The President is expected to outline plans for regional infrastructure development, including road construction and improvements to water and education facilities. “Dr Ruto will also share plans for the remainder of his term leading to the 2027 elections,” said Mr Wamumbi.
Rebuilding Support in Mt Kenya
President Ruto’s Mt Kenya engagement comes amid efforts to counter diminishing support in the region following the October 2024 impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who accused the President of betrayal and has since been mobilizing opposition against him.
To bolster his presence, President Ruto deployed Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki, who successfully led UDA campaigns during the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election in November 2025, securing a victory for the party.
“The people of Mt Kenya remain loyal,” MP Wamumbi said, “They understand the opposition has little to offer. The crowds during the President’s previous tour confirmed that support is returning.”
Key Stops During the Tour
During the January 11–12 tour, Dr Ruto visited Karatina town, Gachagua’s stronghold, where residents reaffirmed their support for his second term. He assured locals, saying:
“I became President because of your votes. You gave me the highest support, and I cannot abandon you.”
He also dismissed claims that Gachagua introduced him to Mt Kenya politics, stating that he built support over 20 years, particularly while serving as Deputy under former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Opposition Pushback
Despite Ruto’s efforts, opposition leaders remain critical. Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia, a Gachagua ally, dismissed the President’s outreach as insufficient to win back support, claiming monetary incentives are being used to sway loyalty.
Similarly, Development Empowerment Party (DEP) chairman Titus Ntuchiu argued that the Kenya Kwanza government has failed to deliver on promises, citing excessive taxes, poor governance, and high living costs. Ntuchiu is eyeing the Tigania West Constituency in next year’s elections.
“Kenyans want leadership that goes beyond promises,” he said.
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