Warm reception for Ruto as he returns to a restive mountain

It is no secret that he faced a litmus test on his first visit to the region following a six-month absence.

Critics argued that he would receive a hostile reception in the region following Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's ouster and his allies' removal from key positions in Parliament. 

Three days into his tour, the president attracted large crowds in Laikipia, Nyandarua and Meru Counties, who thronged his motorcade to hear his message.

Paid crowds or a real audience? This depends on where your allegiance lies, as the tour has drawn praise and criticism in equal measure. 

Prior to the Mt Kenya tour, Gachagua and his allies cautioned Mt Kenya residents to be wary of the president's tactics of splashing wads of cash to 'buy' their trust.  

He, however, advised them to demand a hefty price from the State in its mobilisation efforts to ensure the president received a warm reception.

"If you are going to listen to lies, ask for a hefty price because lies are a bad thing. Don't accept Ksh.200, listening to lies starts from Ksh.3,000. Women ululating is worth Ksh.10,000 and clapping is Ksh.2,000. Laughing in Ksh.5,000," the former DP said in Naivasha, Nakuru County, on March 29, 2025. 

"All that needs around Ksh.20,000 to Ksh.30,000. President Ruto, get your finances in order and bring the money we elected you for free," he added. 

As the saying goes, perception is everything and the head of state appears to be enjoying his time at the mountain.

While standing on his car roof, the president has not held back at his former deputy, boldly claiming he is still the king of the vote-rich mountain. 

"The friendship I have built with the region goes beyond 20 years. No one can come between me and the people of Mt Kenya. Because you voted for me, I will keep working until you are amazed," Ruto said in Maua, Meru County, on the second day of his tour. 

Following a six-month absence from Mt Kenya, critics argued that Ruto feared facing the same region that embraced him as one of their own. 

During the 2022 General Election, Ruto acquired 3.5 million out of 7.1 million votes from Mt Kenya, representing 49 per cent of his votes. 

Cognisant of the region's impact, it was expected for the head of state to pull out all the stops to appease the mountain.

His itinerary involves travelling to nine counties, including Laikipia, Nyeri, Nyandarua, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Meru and Kiambu. 

Aside from interacting with the crowds, Ruto will inspect key projects such as road infrastructure, affordable housing, fresh produce markets, last-mile electricity connectivity, water, and irrigation.