President Ruto embarks on five-day Mt. Kenya tour amid political tensions

A section of Rift Valley leaders allied to President Ruto have criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for allegedly making statements that could incite the region against the president during his visit.

The president’s weeklong tour will cover nine counties: Laikipia, Nyeri, Meru, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Murang’a, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, and Kiambu. During his visit, he is expected to inspect, commission, and launch various development projects.

The president's itinerary includes projects in key sectors such as road infrastructure, affordable housing, fresh produce markets, last-mile electricity connectivity, water, and irrigation.

On the first day of his tour, President Ruto is expected to visit modern fresh produce markets at various stages of completion. This initiative is aimed at fulfilling his promise to small-scale traders, ensuring they have adequate space and sanitation at their workplaces. The government has rolled out 500 such markets nationwide, with more set to be launched and inspected in the counties he will visit.

The State House itinerary also indicates that President Ruto will inspect the ongoing construction of the Mau Mau Road in Lari Constituency, Kiambu. The Mau Mau roads, which recently received a Ksh5 billion allocation, traverse the Aberdare and Mt. Kenya forests in Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyandarua, and Nyeri counties.

Additionally, the president will inspect the construction of County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs) across the nine counties in Mt. Kenya. The national government and county governments are jointly investing Ksh500 million per park, with each level of government contributing Ksh250 million to the projects. President Ruto is also expected to launch new affordable housing projects as part of his broader development agenda.

As the president prepares for his tour, local leaders allied to the government continue to urge residents to welcome him peacefully and avoid divisive politics.

Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina called for unity, stating: "Let us welcome the President well." Similarly, Nominated MP Sabina Chege echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for a peaceful reception.

Meanwhile, Rift Valley leaders allied to President Ruto have taken issue with remarks made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. They accuse him of making statements that could turn public sentiment against the president.

Nandi Governor Stephen Sang criticized Gachagua, saying: "We want to tell Gachagua to leave the President alone. You can’t keep saying he is a one-term President, yet you also did not finish half a term. Ruto will be elected for a second term." Politician Allan Kosgei also urged unity, stating: "Let us support the President to change our country."

Beyond the development agenda, President Ruto is also expected to address the political landscape of the Mt. Kenya region. Many anticipate explanations regarding his fallout with former Deputy President Gachagua, a key figure in his rise to power.