President Ruto reaffirms Mt Kenya ties, dismisses claims of political fallout

Speaking during a church service in Othaya Constituency, Nyeri County, the President said no amount of propaganda from his opponents would sever his long-standing ties with the people of Nyeri and the wider Mt Kenya region.

He told residents that they would judge him at the ballot based on what his administration delivers, not on political rhetoric.

The visit comes amid visible political realignments in the region, with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua actively courting Mt Kenya voters under the banner of the United Democratic Congress Party (DCP), positioning himself within a growing opposition alliance.

However, President Ruto laughed off suggestions of waning support, maintaining that politics driven by falsehoods would not undo the relationship he has built with the region over many years. He reminded residents that Mt Kenya overwhelmingly supported his presidential bid and assured them that his government remains committed to fulfilling its promises.

“I am ready to be judged on my work,” the President said, adding that leadership is about service delivery rather than slogans, insults, or political theatrics. He urged residents to assess leaders based on tangible development outcomes.

The President further accused his opponents, led by his former deputy, of relying on sloganeering and lacking a clear agenda, expressing confidence that his development record would secure him victory in future elections. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki echoed the remarks, saying political noise would not derail the government’s development agenda for Mt Kenya and the country at large.

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, who has often been perceived as an ally of Mr Gachagua, sparked renewed debate during the event when he publicly reaffirmed his support for President Ruto. Governor Kahiga declared that President Ruto remains his President and dismissed claims of divided loyalties.

He also clarified that he is still a bona fide member of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), noting that he is a fully paid-up member of the ruling party.