President William Ruto has once again addressed the ongoing power struggle with his former Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, over control of the Mt Kenya region. Speaking during a visit to Maua, Meru County, on Wednesday, Ruto confidently stated that his long-standing connection with the region remains unshaken.
"The friendship I have built with the region goes beyond 20 years. No one can come between me and the people of Mt Kenya," Ruto asserted. He emphasized that his bond with the region, forged over two decades, could not be broken by any individual.
He further assured the residents, saying, "Because you voted for me, I will keep working until you are amazed."
The president was accompanied by several key leaders, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Tourism CS Rebecca Miano, ICT CS William Kabogo, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah, and Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma, among others.
During the event, Governor Mutuma took the opportunity to urge President Ruto to consider integrating former Cabinet Secretaries Peter Munya and Mithika Linturi into his administration. In response, Ruto said, "We are already holding discussions and have a plan. Relax, I can assure you it is under control."
Ruto's statements come against the backdrop of political friction following Gachagua's impeachment and the recent removal of his allies from significant parliamentary roles. In retaliation, Gachagua has been mobilizing support to oppose the current administration, accusing it of failing to deliver on promises and fostering a culture of dishonesty.
Ahead of Ruto's visit to Mt Kenya, Gachagua issued a warning, urging the president to avoid claiming credit for projects initiated by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“As you come here, speak the truth. All these projects in the Mt Kenya region, it is former President Uhuru Kenyatta who initiated them. You have refused to finish them. None is yours. Do not dare lie to the people,” Gachagua said during a public address in Wangige, Kiambu County, on March 31, 2025.
Ruto's weeklong tour of the Mt Kenya region marks his first visit in nearly six months. He is set to visit nine counties, including Laikipia, Nyeri, Nyandarua, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Meru, and Kiambu. His itinerary includes inspecting vital projects such as road infrastructure, affordable housing, fresh produce markets, last-mile electricity connectivity, water supply, and irrigation systems.