Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu stayed away from President William Ruto’s two-day development tour of Murang’a last week. He later explained his decision in a morning television interview on Monday, 27 April 2026.

During the interview, Nyutu said he avoided the tour because he did not want to sit through what he called repeated promises that have not been fulfilled. He said he respects the President as head of state but disagrees with how some development issues are handled.

Nyutu was responding to questions from the programme host on why he did not attend meetings where local leaders engaged the President on development matters. He insisted that he had no obligation to attend rallies to raise the concerns of residents.

“I would not waste my time listening to more lies on top of other lies,” he said. He added that his absence should not be seen as disrespect for the presidency.

He pointed to road projects in Murang’a that he said had been launched several times but remain incomplete. He mentioned a road in Mathioya that connects Lower Kiru through Mananga to Kamune. According to him, the President first launched the project in August 2024, but it has not progressed.

“There is still no tarmac. The contractor is not on site,” Nyutu said. He argued that similar announcements had been made for other roads, including those linked to the Mau Mau road network.

President Ruto visited Murang’a on April 24 and 25, 2026. He inspected and commissioned several projects, including road works, and promised further infrastructure development.

Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu has been joined in political criticism by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The former deputy president further accused the government of relaunching projects that had already been opened.

He cited a road project in Kangema, Murang’a County, saying machinery only arrived after the president had left.

“Rais ameenda Murang’a, pale Kangema. He has launched a road. By the time he reached Nairobi, equipment followed him,” he said.

Gachagua also referred to a local institution he said had earlier been opened by Ndindi Nyoro.

“Ameenda pale, an institution that was launched by the Kiharu Member of Parliament, anaitwa Ndindi Nyoro. Ile plate ilisema Ndindi Nyoro alifungua wametoa. Rais ameifungua tena,” he said.

Some local leaders, including Governor Irungu Kang’ata, attended parts of the tour. Kang’ata said his participation was limited due to a leg injury and stressed that he remained supportive of the President’s office.

Focus on broken promises

Nyutu, however, said he saw no value in attending events where he believed the same promises were being repeated. He said he had already raised development concerns during a 2022 economic forum at Gakoiko showground.

“We listed all the problems of the people of Murang’a,” he said. “I do not have to attend rallies to repeat them.”

He also defended earlier remarks he made about political crowds, saying he had been misquoted and misunderstood during the TV discussion. He insisted that his views were based on his interpretation of local political events and not aimed at insulting anyone.

Nyutu maintained that his criticism was not personal but focused on delivery of development projects. He said leaders should be honest with citizens about what can be achieved within available resources.

“The President should explain what can be done with the available budget,” he said. “That way, people will trust what is promised.”

He added that repeated launching of incomplete projects only weakens public confidence. According to him, leaders should focus more on finishing ongoing work rather than announcing new ones.