President William Ruto on Sunday toured the Mt Kenya region, dismissing claims that his political relationship with the influential voting bloc is weakening and insisting that his performance in office will be the ultimate test of his leadership ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a church service in Othaya Constituency, Nyeri County, the President said political propaganda from his opponents would not break the long-standing bond he has built with the people of Nyeri and the wider Mt Kenya region. He told residents that voters would assess his leadership based on tangible delivery rather than political rhetoric.
The visit comes at a time of shifting political dynamics in the region, with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua actively mobilising support under the Democratic Congress Party as part of a growing opposition alliance seeking to make inroads in Mt Kenya.
Despite the evolving political landscape, President Ruto downplayed suggestions of declining regional support, saying politics founded on falsehoods would not erase years of engagement and partnership with Mt Kenya voters. He reminded residents that the region strongly backed his presidential bid and assured them that his administration remains focused on fulfilling its development promises.
“I am ready to be judged on my work,” the President said, adding that leadership is about service delivery rather than slogans, insults or political theatrics. He urged residents to evaluate leaders based on visible development outcomes.
The President accused his critics, led by his former deputy, of lacking a clear agenda and relying on populist messaging, expressing confidence that his development record would secure him continued support in future elections.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki echoed the President’s remarks, saying political noise would not derail the government’s development agenda for Mt Kenya and the country as a whole.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga also addressed the gathering, publicly reaffirming his support for President Ruto. He dismissed claims of divided loyalties and declared that President Ruto remains his President. The governor further clarified that he is a fully paid-up member of the United Democratic Alliance, countering speculation that he had shifted political allegiance.
President Ruto is expected to remain in Nyeri County for the next two days as he continues engagements in the Mt Kenya region amid heightened political activity and evolving alliances.
