OKANGO: Ruto's Visit to Mt. Kenya—Diplomacy or Political Maneuvering?
President William Ruto’s six-day visit to the Mt Kenya area aimed not only at showcasing new developments but also at regaining political ground. The trip took place from April 1st to 6th and spanned nine counties including Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Meru, Tharaka-Nithi, Embu, Nyandarua, and Kiambu.
These counties serve not only as economic cornerstones but also as vital electoral districts.
Regarding the President, this trip served as a critical endeavor aimed at pacifying an anxious electorate and reaffirming his influence in light of escalating opposition.
On the surface, the tour portrayed a government eager to implement the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
Ruto launched road and market projects, engaged with farmers and traders, and spoke boldly about economic dignity and national unity.
The optics were impressive—and so was the media buzz. However, underneath it all, a far more intricate story unfolded: the deepening divide in Kenyan politics after the removal of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachgua.
The impeachment of Gachauga in 2024 and his later move to join the opposition disrupted the cohesion within Kenya Kwanza.
His assertions about regional disloyalty have resonated deeply with a substantial number of voters from the Mt Kenya area, who perceive themselves as being marginalized economically and underrepresented politically. This sentiment is growing in influence—and this shift in opinion presents a genuine threat to Ruto’s control over the region, perhaps even more so than his confrontational stance.
This tour wasn’t merely focused on development; it was an attempt at political damage control. This became clear from the immediate public reaction throughout the journey: certain leaders accompanying the President faced loud boos, whereas others garnered applause or heckling based on what people thought of their loyalty or performance records.
These responses, rather than being insignificant eruptions, provided insight into the area's political climate. They showcased an electorate that isn’t merely watchful but becoming more outspoken and unhesitant about voicing discontent—even when the President is present.
These instances of public scrutiny underscored the growing divide between popular opinion at the grassroots level and the strategic maneuvers of political elites.
They also highlighted a change in how the area interacts with leaders—the focus is now more on performance rather than closeness to power.
What raised even greater concern was the exclusive atmosphere of the tour. Despite the President advocating for unity, he kept company primarily with his staunch supporters. Those leaders seen as critics, particularly those aligned with Gachagna, were strikingly missing. This omission conveys a clear, albeit negative, signal.
In a place with varied political views, unity can't simply be announced from a stage. Instead, it needs to be created through open and inclusive conversations.
The area faces genuine and enduring issues such as low prices at the farm gate for crops like coffee, tea, and macadamia nuts; late payments to farmers; an escalating crisis of youth unemployment; and overburdened healthcare services.
These problems won't be resolved through ribbon-cutting ceremonies or empty statements.
They call for genuine reforms, fiscal responsibility, and active involvement with ground-level conditions.
Credit goes to President Ruto for increasing his presence and openly addressing various communities, which represents progress. If executed swiftly and responsibly, his developmental plans could indeed lead to significant changes.
However, the era of mere discussion has ended. If there isn’t tangible action taken, this tour—no matter how meticulously planned—may turn into just another scene in Kenya’s lengthy political drama.
Strategic advisor specializing in leadership and governance
