Democratic Party (DP) leader Justin Muturi has warned Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku that efforts to divide Mt Kenya into competing political blocs will fail.

Speaking during the opening of a DP office in Nanyuki on Saturday, July 25, 2026, Muturi said voters would ultimately determine the region’s political direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.

He accused Ruku of promoting divisions between Mt Kenya East and Mt Kenya West as he campaigns for President William Ruto’s re-election.

“Mwambie Ruku, sisi tunataka tuwake. Tutabomoa ndoto zake,” Muturi said.

The former Attorney General also criticised Ruku’s growing political influence, arguing that no single leader had the authority to decide the region’s future.

“Kijana kichwa imekuwa kikubwa. Nimemwona juzi akirukaruka. Kijana alikuwa na shida kubeba kiti, anaitwa Ruku. Anasema ati atabomoa Mlima,” he said.

Ruku says Ruto can win without Kikuyu votes

Muturi’s remarks came in response to Ruku’s recent assertion that Mt Kenya East could deliver President Ruto’s re-election without relying on votes from Mt Kenya West.

During a radio interview earlier in July 2026, Ruku said the region had about two million votes that could secure Ruto another term.

“Our two million votes are enough, without asking for the Kikuyu vote, to make sure William Ruto is re-elected,” Ruku said.

The CS also outlined a succession plan centred on Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, saying Mt Kenya East would begin supporting Kindiki’s presidential ambitions after backing Ruto in 2027.

“In 2028, we shall have begun the journey of Kithure Kindiki becoming the President of Kenya because we also need to be on the resource-sharing side, not always on the receiving side,” he said.

Battle for Mt Kenya vote

Muturi rejected the proposed political arrangement and maintained that Mt Kenya residents must be allowed to choose their preferred leaders.

His remarks point to an emerging contest between Mt Kenya East and West leaders over control of the region’s vote.

The rivalry has intensified as government and opposition leaders increase their political activities ahead of the 2027 elections.

Mt Kenya remains one of the country’s biggest voting blocs and is expected to play a decisive role in the presidential contest.