President William Ruto yesterday sought to win back the Mt Kenya region by announcing plans to incorporate former Agriculture Ministers Peter Munya and Mithika Linturi in his government. 

President Ruto warned that no one would separate him from the region whose relationship with him, he said, dates back to 20 years. 

Ruto who spoke in Meru before heading to Kirinyaga in his five-day tour of the vote-rich region said he was in talks with Munya and Linturi to join the expanded broad-based government. 

“I am in talks with them. I already have a plan for them,” Ruto said. 

He made the assurance after Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma pleaded with him to accommodate the two, saying they were in the cold despite their ability to serve the country for growth. 

While Munya was in Azimio la Umoja Coalition and backed ODM leader Raila Odinga for presidency in 2022, Linturi was in Kenya Kwanza and was named CS when Ruto took over power only to be shown the door after the Gen Z protests following his link to fertiliser scandal. 

Pledged loyalty 

Yesterday, Ruto promised to deepen his relationship with Mt Kenya through unity and development. 

He said his connection with the region was irreversible despite attempts by former DP Rigathi Gachagua to divide them through tribalism and inciting locals. 

Ruto also used the opportunity to market his deputy Kithure Kindiki as the latter pledged his loyalty. 

“We want a united nation, away from tribalism, hateful and divisive politics for one prosperous nation,” Ruto said as he launched a number of projects and dished other goodies to locals. He also vouched for Mutuma’s success as governor. 

Ruto and Kindiki vowed to dismantle cartels in the Miraa sector to improve the growers’ fortunes. 

“We will fight and finish all the cartels in Miraa, coffee and tea who are exploiting farmers,” said Ruto. 

Ruto’s message to Mt. Kenya was clear: his government is committed to fulfilling its promises and delivering development, and that the support of the region to him will be rewarded with action and progress. 

Massive betrayal  

But even as Ruto continued with his tour, some leaders and residents claimed he was out to pacify them after massive betrayal. 

The residents say Ruto has nowhere to hide as he has been telling lies. 

Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu said Ruto is only visiting the region for his personal interest and not development. 

Nyutu said all the leaders from the region who helped Ruto to woo the residents and eventually ascend to power have been removed from the positions they once held. 

He claimed the president is out to ‘cut to size’ all the leaders from the area who are a threat to him in his  reelection bid. 

“If you look at all the changes that have been made in Parliament and parastatals only those from the mountain region have been affected and this clearly indicates he has a motive for the region,” said Nyutu. 

“It started with the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and now all other leaders who don’t seem to align with the president’s command,” he added. 

The most recent casualty is former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi who was sacked after a fallout with the president. 

The senator said he had plans to be part of the president’s tour in Murang’a (today) but through intelligence, he learned that there were plans to attack him and thus opted to keep off.   

“I would have wanted to be there so that I can tell him a few things but I might not be safe so I won’t show up,” he said. 

At the same time, remarks by the president that he is mentoring Kiharu MPNdindi Nyoro has irked the residents who now claim that Ruto is mocking them. 

The residents said it’s in the public domain that Ndindi was removed from the budget committee after he failed to participate in the impeachment of Gachagua. 

“We know the president is fighting our MP for political reasons and this is a betrayal of the highest order to someone who was his right-hand man,” said Joshua Maina, a resident. 

“Should anything happen to him either he catches a cold or a headache, we will blame it on you,” he added.