Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu has issued a stark warning to President William Ruto ahead of his visit to the Mt Kenya region, stating that the head of state must deliver concrete benefits to the vote-rich region if he hopes to restore their trust in his administration.

Speaking on a local media station on March 24, 2025, Mulu argued that residents of Mt Kenya played a critical role in Ruto’s electoral victory but have since been sidelined in key government appointments and development projects. 

As Ruto prepares for his highly anticipated visit, Mulu advised him to approach the trip strategically, equipped with tangible benefits to offer the people of Mt. Kenya.  

“Last week, together with my party leader, I was in Mt Kenya, and people are so unhappy with the Kenya Kwanza government,” he revealed.

“The president will have to visit Central Kenya, but he has to be equipped with serious information and goodies to convince the people. And we are not talking about the future—we are talking about the past. They voted for him, and for the next five years, irrespective of where they will vote in 2027, they need to be rewarded for their votes,” he emphasized.  

Grievances of Mt Kenya

Mulu outlined a series of grievances that he believes have fueled growing discontent in the region, which overwhelmingly backed Ruto in the last election.

“Mt. Kenya contributed in a very big way to the win of Kenya Kwanza, but what have they gotten in return?” Mulu posed.  

According to the lawmaker, one of the biggest betrayals was the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who he insists was ousted from government despite his key role in rallying support for Ruto.  

“The first reward to them was to get their son, who was the Deputy President, kicked out of government,” he said.  

Mulu further criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration for what he described as a purge of Mt. Kenya leaders from the Cabinet and Parliament.  

“The second reward they got in return for their loyalty and support for the Kenya Kwanza government was getting their sons and daughters removed from the government and replaced with people who never supported Kenya Kwanza,” he added.  

Additionally, he decried the stripping of Mt. Kenya MPs from key parliamentary leadership positions, reducing their influence in national decision-making.

“The third thing they got in return is seeing their leaders removed from chairing committees in Parliament and reduced to normal members,” he stated.  

Beyond leadership positions, Mulu also highlighted unfulfilled development pledges, arguing that the region has received little in return for its political loyalty.  

“The fourth thing they’ve gotten in return is a lot of promises for development which were never fulfilled,” he said.  

Caution to Ruto

Mulu’s concerns were echoed by Gatanga MP Edward Muriu, who also warned Ruto against making certain statements during his upcoming visit to the region.

Muriu, in a statement on X on March 21, advised the president to avoid mentioning Gachagua’s ouster or his newfound political alliance with Raila Odinga, warning that such topics would likely trigger hostility from Mt. Kenya residents.

“Your Excellency @WilliamsRuto Welcome to the mountain. My advice: when you come, do not mention any leader in particular, @rigathi. The pain of betrayal is still very raw and deep. Do not mention your deal with Raila and how happy you are with it,” Muriu’s letter reads in part.

He also cautioned Ruto against discussing contentious government projects, such as the Social Health Authority (SHA), affordable housing, and the Hustler Fund, claiming that they had lost credibility among Mt. Kenya voters.

“Do not mention SHA, affordable housing, or the Hustler Fund. It will attract booing, as the people of the mountain take it as a lie. Do not mention anything to do with the abduction and killing of young people; the mountain people have buried their fair share, and the pain and bitterness are still deep in their hearts,” Muriu’s letter reads in part.

He further accused Ruto of sidelining Mt. Kenya leaders after using them to ascend to power.

“To the mountain people, they voted for you, the man. You have discarded the leaders who supported you, removed them from the cabinet and parliamentary committee, and replaced them with Raila’s people. To the mountain people, it’s a betrayal, and it stinks to the high heavens” Muriu’s letter reads in part.

Ruto’s Mt Kenya tour

In preparation for the visit, Ruto met a section of Mt. Kenya leaders at State House on March 20, 2025, to discuss various issues affecting the region.

According to the president, the meeting focused on the progress of agricultural reforms in coffee, tea, and dairy farming, as well as infrastructure development, affordable housing, and fresh produce markets.

“Constant consultation with elected leaders provides the best platform for deliberation on and consequently implementing transformative development programs that benefit the citizens of our country,” Ruto stated.