The tour by President Ruto and his allies across the politically significant Mt. Kenya region was supposed to reinforce the UDA’s grip on the region and rejuvenate their support base.
Instead, it turned into a political disaster that highlighted just how fragile the alliance between Ruto’s camp and the Mt. Kenya electorate has become.
Ruto’s allies, led by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, found themselves confronting a wrathful public that expressed deep frustration with what they perceive as betrayal, broken promises, and a deteriorating political and economic situation under the current government.
Despite Ruto’s rhetoric about an unwavering commitment to the region, the mood during the tour was anything but cordial. The government’s promises of development and opportunities seemed hollow to many in the crowds. As the politicians went from town to town, it was clear that the people were no longer listening to the sweet words and promises of ‘Ruto’s bag of goodies.’ Instead, a palpable sense of disillusionment and anger greeted the leaders at every turn.
“Mr. President, your words have failed us. You promised jobs, better healthcare, and better roads, but we are still stuck in poverty,” one irate local in Nyeri shouted, as Ruto delivered a keynote speech. The public outcry was not limited to rhetoric; it was accompanied by the kind of direct confrontation that no politician in the region had experienced for a long time.
The tour, which was meant to consolidate the region’s support for UDA ahead of the next elections, quickly turned into a nightmare. Ruto’s deputy, Kithure Kindiki who was supposed to be a regional champion, was met with widespread discontent.
“You were the face of Mt. Kenya in Ruto’s government, but you have betrayed us. We will not allow you to continue taking us for granted,” shouted a group of young people in Murang’a as Kindiki made an appearance at a local event. The anger directed at him was raw and personal, and it seemed like his role as the second in command was no longer enough to shield him from the fury of the electorate.
“You used our support to rise to power, but where have you been since?” one local in Kirinyaga demanded, as politicos stood in the midst of a visibly hostile crowd.
The tension was not just between the politicians and the electorate but also within the ranks of the political establishment. Kimani Ichung’wah, a staunch ally of Ruto and an advocate for UDA’s agenda, was visibly shaken after a market meeting in Kiambu turned into a public spectacle of resentment.
“The people of Mt. Kenya are not stupid. We gave you our support, and in return, you’ve given us nothing. Your promises were lies,” a trader yelled at Ichung’wah, who tried to respond with his usual calm but was interrupted by jeers and taunts.
Ichung’wah’s attempts to redirect the anger into a call for unity fell flat. “We are not enemies; we are working for you,” he said, but the crowd was having none of it. A local politician in the region, who spoke on condition of anonymity, remarked, “Kimani has become a symbol of the very things people are angry about—unfulfilled promises and an administration that has ignored the people.”
It was not just the politicians who were feeling the heat. Ruto’s decision to sideline his deputy, Gachagua, in favor of more direct control over Mt. Kenya politics is seen by many as a sign of political weakness.
“Rigathi is a casualty of the power struggles within Ruto’s camp. Ruto’s decision to throw him under the bus is causing a rift in Mt. Kenya,” said Peter Munya, a former Cabinet Secretary and regional political figure.
Munya added that the president’s determination to ‘redefine’ UDA was seen by many as an attempt to appease a new wave of political power brokers, rather than addressing the root causes of the anger in Mt. Kenya.
President Ruto, however, remains resolute in his stance. “I will continue working for the people of Mt. Kenya, and no amount of criticism will change my commitment to this region,” he declared during a press conference. Ruto’s words, though firm, were met with skepticism by those who felt that his administration had failed to live up to the expectations of the people who had once seen him as their savior.
In his response to the criticism, Ichung’wah went on the offensive, accusing his detractors of undermining the efforts of the government.
“We have been working tirelessly to improve the lives of Kenyans. These accusations are baseless. The people of Mt. Kenya need to understand that we are in this for the long haul,” he stated, though his words did little to calm the growing tide of discontent.
Ever the tactician, tried to defend his record, claiming that the criticism was politically motivated. “There are those who want to use the frustration of the people to further their own selfish interests. I have always stood for the unity and progress of Mt. Kenya, and I will not be swayed by these attacks,” he said, but his attempts to salvage his political reputation were clearly falling on deaf ears.
The wrath of the electorate also extended to broader issues that the people feel have been ignored, such as the pervasive corruption and the failure of the government to address critical issues like insecurity and the rising cost of living.
“We are not just angry about the broken promises; we are also angry about the corruption that is eating away at the resources that should be going into our communities,” said one resident of Nyeri.
The accusations of graft have become a persistent theme in the region, with many locals pointing fingers at the government’s inability to tackle the issue effectively.
“The government talks about fighting corruption, but all we see is a continuation of the same old practices. We need action, not empty promises,” one activist in Meru commented.
As the UDA camp faces these turbulent times, it is evident that the party’s hold on Mt. Kenya is far from secure. The disillusionment among the region’s electorate is palpable, and the backlash from the tour is a clear indication that Ruto and his allies are facing an uphill battle in trying to retain their grip on the region. With growing dissatisfaction, accusations of betrayal, and calls for accountability, the coming months will be crucial for the UDA’s future in Mt. Kenya.
For now, President Ruto and his allies must navigate the political storm with caution. The public has made it clear that their patience has worn thin, and it remains to be seen whether the UDA leadership can weather the growing discontent in the heart of the country’s political powerhouse.
