Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has reminded Mt Kenya residents that former President Uhuru Kenyatta had foreseen their political frustrations, warning them of the consequences of their choices in the 2022 election.

Speaking during a burial in Tharaka Nithi County on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, Oburu while reflecting on Raila Odinga’s five-year alliance with Uhuru, urged them to now face the music and support the government of the day. 

He noted that Raila’s support was meant to strengthen ties with Mt Kenya, with the expectation that the region would reciprocate when he ran for president.

“You know for five years Raila supported Uhuru Kenyatta. He supported Uhuru Kenyatta without asking Uhuru to give him ministers, to give him anything because he wanted to bring the mountain closer to us by saying the government which you supported,” he stated.

However, despite Raila’s goodwill, Oburu lamented that the region overwhelmingly backed William Ruto in the 2022 elections.

“Uhuru warned you. He told you that you will cry. Now that you are crying, you want Raila to come and rescue you. How does he do it?” Oburu posed.  

The senator, however, affirmed that Raila and his allies do not regret joining the broad-based government, emphasizing the need for stability.

“We are in a broad-based government, and we don’t regret it. What we want is to keep our country in one piece. Elections will come and go, and when that time comes, people will decide who will lead. But for now, we must be stable and support the government of the day,” he stated.  

Growing discontent in Mt Kenya

Oburu’s remarks come at a time when numerous residents and leaders from the region have expressed dissatisfaction with the Ruto administration.

This unrest has been linked to last year’s impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua by various lawmakers from the region, a decision that has not been well received by the local population.

Following the impeachment, many of the President’s allies who tried to hold public rallies in their constituencies faced backlash, including being heckled and, in some cases, chased away.

Speaking on a local media station on March 24, 2025, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba weighed in on the growing dissatisfaction in the region, stating that Ruto’s troubles extend beyond the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

“The people of Mt. Kenya are not happy with the President, and he is aware,” she stated.

Wamuchomba argued that Mt Kenya residents have been frustrated by economic hardships and broken promises.

“The mountain people are very upset with the regime because they are the business community, they are the farmers, and they still feel that this regime has been suppressive,” she said.  

She pointed to heavy taxation, flawed implementation of government projects, and the failure to fulfill campaign promises as key reasons behind the frustrations.

“The taxation, the implementation of government proposals, the style of implementation, and the keeping of promises—knowing that the mountain gave 47 per cent of the votes versus the deliverables they are receiving—there are some issues,” Wamuchomba noted.  

Shifting support

In a statement shared on his X account on January 15, 2025, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma cautioned President Ruto that Mt. Kenya’s support was never based on genuine conviction but rather a rejection of Raila Odinga.

“President William Ruto, Mt. Kenya is gone, kabisa! They didn’t vote for you; they voted against Raila due to their undone 1969 Wamera oath,” Kaluma wrote on X on January 15, 2025.

Kaluma argued that some leaders from Mt. Kenya expected Ruto to prioritize their region in government appointments and development projects, which has led to their discontent.

“In exchange for their votes, they expected to dominate government and exclude other Kenyans from development and public service. Now that you have chosen inclusivity, they feel betrayed,” he added.

He advised Ruto to heed his warning and act quickly to consolidate support from other regions rather than focusing solely on Mt. Kenya.

“No amount of projects and public service appointments will return them. Smell the coffee! Act fast to consolidate your new bases. Refuse to heed, and perish!” he said.