President William Ruto Faces Mt Kenya Amid Split with Deputy President Gachagua

President William Ruto began a three-day intensive tour of the politically significant Mt Kenya region on Wednesday, launching various projects and addressing residents amid a widening split with his Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua. The tour comes at a time when Ruto’s administration faces numerous political battles, including internal rifts and external opposition.

Starting his tour in Embu, President Ruto took the opportunity to explain his decision to work with opposition leader Raila Odinga under a broad-based government concept. Speaking in Runyenjes, Embu County, Ruto emphasized the need for unity among leaders from various political backgrounds to tackle the country’s issues collectively.

“Days ago, I formed the government of national unity so that we bring all Kenyans together, collect our taxes together, and also pay our debts together,” Ruto stated. He further elaborated on the importance of working as a team to ensure that the country’s financial burdens are shared equally. “I alone should not be called Zakayo; let’s all plan how to get taxes for Kenya. The money I am looking for in the country goes to our account. So everyone should come and be named Zakayo; let’s find that tax together,” Ruto added.

President Ruto’s tour includes visits to Murang’a and Kirinyaga counties, where he plans to launch more projects. However, this tour occurs amid increasing tension with Deputy President Gachagua. There have been rumors of a plot to impeach the DP, who has also complained about a government crackdown targeting him and his allies. Recently, DCI officers seized phones belonging to two of Gachagua’s allies – Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru and Embakasi North counterpart James Gakuya.

Despite the tension, Gachagua accompanied the President on this tour and received a warm reception from Embu residents. “You will be seeing us more often. We will be coming to monitor the progress of these projects,” Gachagua said, also highlighting their ongoing fight against alcoholism.

The President’s entourage included Governor Cecily Mbarire and MPs from the Mt Kenya region. This tour is seen as a way for Ruto to assess his support and influence in the region, especially after his recent decision to include Raila Odinga in the Kenya Kwanza fold, which resulted in Raila’s allies being given prime government positions.

Ruto’s decision to form a government of national unity comes after the intense campaigns against Raila in Mt Kenya during the 2022 presidential election, which led to Raila’s defeat. The President’s move to nominate ODM chairman John Mbadi as Treasury CS, replacing the Mt Kenya’s Njuguna Ndung’u, and other Raila allies such as Wycliffe Oparanya, Hassan Joho, and Opiyo Wandayi to key positions, has sparked discontent among some Mt Kenya leaders.

Political observers believe Ruto’s tour aims to gauge the response to his plan for a broad-based government and to understand the region’s mood amid Gachagua’s claims of state persecution. Recently, Gachagua addressed the Mt Kenya community through vernacular stations, alleging a plot to assassinate him and his allies, which has bolstered his acceptance as the region’s kingpin.

During the tour, President Ruto launched several development projects, including the Iriari-Kanyuambora Road, Irari Irrigation project, Kanyuambora irrigation, Kaamumu road, Kamburu bulk water, a county industrial park, and Makutano ESP park. He also laid the foundation stone for the Makutano Fresh Produce Market in Mbeere South constituency and pledged to build more roads, connect households to electricity, establish ICT hubs in every ward, and commission water projects.

Leaders who accompanied Ruto expressed their support and gratitude, with Mbeere South MP Bernard Muriuki stating, “We are happy you came and launched this project. We also welcome the plans for water projects…come again. You are the first president to do this, so in 2027, count on our support.”

As President Ruto continues his tour, the political dynamics within the Kenya Kwanza administration remain complex, with the Mt Kenya region serving as a critical battleground for influence and support ahead of the 2027 elections.