President William Ruto has assured residents of the Mt Kenya region that incidents of robbery and hooliganism witnessed during his recent Nairobi tour will not occur during his ongoing visit to the region. Speaking at the Sagana State Lodge in Nyeri County, Ruto emphasized that Mt Kenya is home to peaceful people who prioritize development.
“We held a lot of meetings in Nairobi, and there were incidents of robbery here and there, because you know how things are in Nairobi,” Ruto said. “But I don’t expect robbery and theft incidents to happen during my tours because Mt Kenya people are peaceful and understand development.”
Ruto arrived in Nyeri on Monday for a five-day development tour covering nine counties: Nyeri, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Embu, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Tharaka-Nithi, Meru, and Murang’a. He was warmly received by local leaders, including Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi, Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga, Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri, and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and several governors will also accompany him during the tour.
The President’s visit will focus on infrastructure projects, including roads, electricity, water, and health facilities. He will launch new projects, inspect ongoing ones, and commission completed ones. Notably, Ruto highlighted the government’s commitment to completing stalled road projects, including the Mau Mau Road, which connects several Mt Kenya counties.
Ruto’s remarks come after chaotic incidents marred his mid-March tour of Nairobi, where some residents and motorists fell victim to attacks and robberies by goons. Authorities alleged that some of these criminals were mobilized by politicians to disrupt the presidential tour.
To kick off his Mt Kenya visit, Ruto engaged in a live TV interview with regional media stations. On Tuesday, he is set to visit Rumuruti in Laikipia West, Nanyuki in Laikipia East, and Narumoru in Kieni Constituency. On Wednesday, his tour will take him to Meru and Kirinyaga counties.
Reiterating that his visit is strictly development-focused, the President stated, “We have not come here to engage in politics. We are here to engage with locals about their development agenda and see how we can move forward.”
