Mathira Member of Parliament Eric Wamumbi has dismissed claims that President William Ruto’s ongoing tour of the Mount Kenya region is politically motivated, asserting that it is purely focused on development.
Ruto embarked on a five-day visit to the vote-rich region on Tuesday amid speculation over his reception, particularly in light of growing political tensions following the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in October. However, the President received a warm welcome in Laikipia and Nyeri counties, with locals seemingly embracing his visit.
Wamumbi, whose Mathira constituency is Gachagua’s home turf, praised the President’s visit, emphasizing that it was a mission to assess his government’s development projects since assuming office in September 2022.
“This was clearly a development visit; we saw him commission tens of projects. We are not doing politics… when the time for politics comes, we will do it. People, especially Nyeri residents, have agreed that what they need for now is development,” Wamumbi said during an interview on Citizen TV’s Daybreak program on Wednesday.
He defended Ruto against critics who argue that the President’s activities during his tour could be handled by relevant government agencies, stating that as the country’s Chief Executive, Ruto has a duty to oversee national projects personally.
“The buck stops at him. It is his responsibility as CEO, and it is important that he inspects them himself,” said Wamumbi, adding that Ruto has consistently shown interest in monitoring the progress of projects under his administration.
During his visit on Tuesday, Ruto launched several projects, including an affordable housing initiative, markets worth over Ksh.1 billion, and a Ksh.720 million rural electrification project in Laikipia County. Additionally, he pledged to enhance electricity connectivity for 10,000 households in Nyeri County.
However, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticized Ruto’s tour, alleging that the President is taking credit for projects initiated during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration. Addressing a roadside rally in Wangige, Kiambu County, on Monday, Gachagua accused Ruto of being dishonest and urged residents to dismiss his promises.
As Ruto continues his tour, the debate over the true nature of his visit remains heated, with both sides holding firm to their positions on whether it is about development or politics.
