President William Ruto visits Mt. Kenya amid political tensions, cash handouts, and fallout from sidelined allies.
His visit has also exposed cracks in his political alliances, with some of his staunchest supporters, including key figures from his Cabinet and parliamentary ranks, now finding themselves under mounting pressure as they try to maintain control of the electorate.
At the heart of this drama is the ongoing tension between Ruto’s allies and the political establishment that has been closely tied to his administration, with money emerging as a critical element in these crucial political machinations.
As the head of State crisscrosses the region, attending rallies and making public appearances, the question of whether his supporters will continue to be loyal—or whether they are simply being swayed by financial incentives—has taken center stage. While his government’s development projects and promises of transformation have been touted, the politics of money appear to be a crucial factor in maintaining his hold on the electorate.
The politics of money: Buy-ins or political loyalty?
One of the most striking aspects of Ruto’s Mt. Kenya tour has been the heavy reliance on financial incentives to ensure the turnout at political rallies.
In some areas, it has been reported that citizens were offered cash payments, transport allowances, or other material goods in exchange for attending the events. While these practices are not new in Kenyan politics, they have garnered criticism as a sign that political loyalty may no longer be based on ideals, but rather on cold, hard cash.
Staunch allies of Ruto have responded to the accusation by insisting that money was simply a tool for motivating citizens to participate in democratic processes.
“Money is not the problem; it’s a means of ensuring that the people are engaged in the political process,” they uttered. “Without proper engagement, we risk losing the trust of the electorate. At the end of the day, the people must be empowered.”
However, critics argue that ‘money politics’ sends the wrong message to voters and undermines the integrity of the democratic process. Mutahi Kahiga,Kiambu Governor emphasized that relying on financial incentives is indicative of a larger issue within Kenyan politics.
“We are witnessing a troubling trend where voters are treated like commodities, bought and sold for political favors. This erodes the very foundation of democratic engagement, where ideas, policies, and values should take precedence.”
The issue of money politics was brought to the forefront during a heated exchange between Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Ruto’s political detractors. Gachagua, once the face of Ruto’s Mt. Kenya campaign machine, has been increasingly critical of the way the region’s politics have been shaped by monetary considerations.
“The idea that our people can be bought for a few coins is not something I stand by,” Gachagua said in a recent interview. “True leadership should be about inspiring change, not bribing people to show up at rallies.”
If you are going to listen to him, ask for a hefty price. Do not accept less money.” President Ruto, get your finances in order and bring the money because we elected you for free.”
Mounting Pressure on Ruto Key allies
As Ruto faces the challenge of ensuring his grip on power, his political allies are not immune to pressure. Some of his staunchest supporters, including majority leader at National Assembly,Kimani Ichung’wah, and others, are now under fire as they work to ensure the influence of UDA party does not wane, but recent events indicate that their political future may not be as secure as they had hoped.
Ichung’wah has found himself at the center of political turbulence in the wake of Ruto’s Mt. Kenya tour. As a long-time ally of the President, he has been tasked with ensuring that Ruto maintains strong support in the region. Yet his critics argue that his political fortunes are now tied to his ability to navigate the complex and volatile dynamics of money politics.
Speaking on his strained relationship with certain political groups, Ichung’wah said, “We must be careful not to let the politics of money overshadow the real needs of our people. Yes, people need support, but it should be targeted and used to advance their interests, not just to win votes.”
As Ichung’wah and others are forced to contend with the growing expectations of their constituencies, the pressure has intensified on them to not only maintain financial backing but also to outmaneuver opponents within the same political party. MP Geoffrey Ruku, who has aligned himself closely with Ruto, has expressed concerns about the impact of these pressures on the region’s political health.
“We are no longer operating in a vacuum,” Ruku said. “The electorate has become more discerning. They want solutions, not just promises or money thrown at them to buy their votes. Our duty is to ensure the future of Mt. Kenya.”
The Ruto-Gachagua rift: A battle for Mt. Kenya political soul
The tension between Ruto and his former running mate, Rigathi Gachagua, remains a dominant feature of the political landscape in Mt. Kenya. Once seen as the most loyal of allies, Gachagua’s recent criticisms of Ruto’s handling of the region’s politics signal a deepening rift between the two. This rift is partly driven by Gachagua’s assertion that the President’s current political strategies do not resonate with the average voter in the region.
“I am not one to play games with people’s livelihoods,” Gachagua said during a private gathering in Nyeri County. “I was elected to represent the people, not to allow them to be manipulated for political gain.”
This growing divide has forced other political players in the region, including some key figures to weigh their loyalties carefully., for example they have largely remained neutral, carefully navigating the tension while still slamming Ruto policies. “The future of Mt. Kenya is at a crossroads. We must ensure that our decisions are made in the best interest of the people.”
Political analysts have weighed in on the implications of these developments. John Githongo, a former anti-corruption activist turned political analyst, suggested that the current situation in Mt. Kenya underscores the deepening challenges facing Ruto’s administration as it tries to balance populism with governance.
“Ruto faces a critical test in Mt. Kenya. The electorate there is deeply divided, and the politics of money are blurring the lines between genuine service and political manipulation.”
According to Githongo, the President must confront these issues head-on, or risk alienating his support base ahead of the 2027 election.
“While financial support might guarantee short-term gains, it will ultimately hurt his long-term political viability if it continues unchecked.”
For now, Ruto faces a delicate balancing act. He must appease his political allies, manage his relationship with his top guns and ensure that the electorate remains engaged—without allowing the politics of money to overshadow the greater task of leadership.
With time running out, the clock is ticking on whether Ruto can hold onto his power in Mt. Kenya. And in the end, it may not be just his political allies who will decide his fate—but the very people he’s trying to win over.
