Ruto counters Gachagua’s claims, says Mt Kenya support remains strong

President William Ruto has dismissed claims by his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, that his popularity in the Mt Kenya region has declined, insisting that his relationship with the area remains firm and grounded in years of political partnership. 

Speaking during a visit to Nyeri County on Monday, Ruto said his administration’s commitment to fulfilling promises made to the region is the best proof of his continued connection with local residents.

Ruto said he would not be distracted by political slogans or campaigns designed to depict him as an outsider in a region that played a central role in delivering his 2022 electoral victory. 

According to him, the people of Mt Kenya did not support him accidentally or under coercion, but through shared values and a mutual vision for the country’s development.

The president urged residents to focus on performance and results rather than political noise, saying every leader would ultimately be judged by what they had delivered. 

He highlighted key priorities such as healthcare, youth employment, education, and agricultural transformation as central to his administration’s agenda in the region and across the country.

Ruto also addressed claims by Gachagua that he had personally “carried” the president politically in Mt Kenya, which contributed to Ruto’s acceptance there. 

The president rejected this narrative, stating that his friendship with the mountain region predates recent political disputes and was built over time, including during his tenure as deputy president under former president Uhuru Kenyatta. 

He added that no single politician could claim ownership of the relationship between him and millions of Mt Kenya voters.

The political tension between Ruto and Gachagua has continued to shape the country’s political conversation, with the former deputy president launching the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) after his dramatic falling-out with the government. 

Gachagua has positioned himself as a defender of Mt Kenya interests, arguing that the region has been sidelined in state appointments and development priorities. 

Supporters of the president, however, accuse him of attempting to divide the region for personal political gain.

Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura recently weighed in on the debate, stating that Ruto still enjoys “silent but solid” support across the Mt Kenya counties. 

According to Mwaura, many residents may not be vocal online or at rallies but continue to back the president, particularly because of his economic reform agenda.

During his Nyeri visit, Ruto maintained that his administration has made progress on reviving the economy, supporting farmers, stabilizing fuel and food prices, and investing in infrastructure. 

He asked residents to evaluate his leadership on the basis of tangible outcomes and not ongoing political feuds.

The president further appealed for unity, warning that constant attacks and rivalries risked distracting the country from development goals. 

He said Kenya’s democracy allows leaders to hold different opinions, but those disagreements should not overshadow service delivery.