Ruto Tour Faces Storm on Mt. Kenya
Mount Kenya remains strategically positioned as a focal point in President William Ruto’s legacy. The area is now actively invested in determining the outcome of the discussions between Ruto and his long-standing rival, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Ruto faces a dilemma as he prepares for his tour in Central Kenya, beginning on Saturday, August 5th. He must decide whether to establish a cooperative connection with Raila or heed the concerns of the local politicians in the region who are against the idea of collaboration.
During the 2022 General Elections, the vast number of voters from the area not only secured Ruto’s inaugural presidency but also influenced his decision to choose Rigathi Gachagua, a native of their region, as his deputy.
Roughly half of the Cabinet members, including those who are the most outspoken and contentious, originate from this area. This calculation doesn’t even include the main secretaries and other close associates who were given prestigious positions as a reward.
While Ruto maintains his willingness to engage in discussions with Raila, he is required to heed the advice of the mountain region. The mountain region has cautioned him against replicating his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta’s actions of forming alliances with the opposition leader through handshake gestures.
Uhuru faced opposition from his local supporters as Ruto gained ground by pledging to create a government focused on the common people. The President attributed the government’s setbacks to the handshake agreement.
With most of the individuals pursuing political agendas now appearing to support Raila, and leaders from the Mt Kenya region showing dissatisfaction with Ruto’s growing closeness to the ex-President, it’s premature to determine whether the current head of state will encounter obstacles and follow his course or take heed of the warning.
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Before his upcoming tour of the region, inhabitants and officials from the Mount Kenya area on Friday, August 4th, dismissed any potential for endorsing discussions between Raila and Ruto.
Under the guidance of Jane Njeri Maina, who serves as the Kirinyaga Woman Representative, the group of leaders conveyed their belief in the potential for Raila’s engagement within the government, despite the opposition leader’s firm stance that his focus is solely on addressing issues that impact the ordinary citizen (mwananchi).
“The people here overwhelmingly voted for President Ruto for him to bring developments. We don’t want a handshake in our administration. We want progress,” Njeri demanded.
They also committed to directly communicate their reservations about the bipartisan discussions to President Ruto while he is on his five-day tour.
Before the tour, the leaders conducted meetings with their supporters, during which they deliberated on several topics. Of notable significance was their resolute and clear opposition to the bipartisan negotiations.
“Our main focus is development for our people and not things which will not benefit our region,” Njeri Maina told the media while distributing fertilizer to local area residents.
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It was reported that a group of governors from the Mt. Kenya region held a discreet meeting in Karen and Runda, where they supposedly deliberated on the potential advantages of the discussions or the potential outcomes if they were to completely oppose it.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is yet to address the bipartisan talks.
Ruto Schedule
The leader’s journey will begin on the morning of Saturday, August 5th, departing from Nairobi by road. They will speak to the locals in Githurai and Kenol and later inaugurate a water initiative at Kagio Trading Centre.
Ruto will then address a rally at Baricho in Kirinyaga County and commission the Marua-State Lodge Road later.
Over the weekend, specifically on Sunday and Monday, the President is scheduled to preside over an inclusive prayer gathering at Sagana State Lodge. Additionally, there are plans for the President to inaugurate a new road in Mukurweini, as well as to unveil water initiatives in Tetu and Othaya.
Before concluding his tour by engaging with leaders from Mt Kenya at Sagana State Lodge on Tuesday, Ruto is scheduled to inaugurate a Kenya Co-operative Creameries branch in Kiganjo.
He is anticipated to inaugurate the Naromoru Level IV Hospital, a three-story facility with 175 beds, on Wednesday. Additionally, he will introduce an economic housing initiative in Thika while returning to Nairobi.
Ruto Tour Faces Storm on Mt. Kenya
