President William Ruto has addressed his relationship with the people of Nyeri County, where his estranged former deputy Rigathi Gahaku hails from, stating that his cordial ties with the region remain intact despite their bitter fallout with the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader.

Speaking in Nyeri County on Monday, January 12, 2026, Ruto added that he remains focused on delivering his agenda to the people and will not be sidetracked by critics’ talks of ‘Wantam’ and ‘Kasongo must go’.

He emphasised that the region has a clear mandate for what it wants done in different sectors, which he remains keen to fulfil in line with the promises made by the Kenya Kwanza administration.

“We have people who think they can intimidate me with ‘Wantam’ and ‘Kasongo must go’ talks. I want to tell them that I am the president today because you gave me that mandate. You gave me a clear path of what you wanted us to achieve in healthcare, youth employment, the employment of teachers, and education,” he said.

“You are the ones to decide what everyone has achieved. I want to ask you to subject everyone to their work before you vote for them and decide,” he added.

He further refuted remarks from Rigathi Gachagua that his support in the region has waned due to the influence of the now-DCP leader, who was his running mate during the 2022 elections before his unceremonious exit from government.

Friendship with Mt Kenya

Ruto stated that his friendship with the region was solidified long ago while serving as deputy to the fourth president, Uhuru Kenyatta.

“We have people who go around claiming that they are the ones who made me popular in this region by carrying me on their backs. Nataka niwaulize watu wa Nyeri. Hii urafiki tulitengeneza pamoja na nyinyi wakati nilikuwa naibu wa Uhuru Kenyatta. Urafiki huo utaletewa kasheshe na mtu mmoja kweli?”

Mwaura on Ruto’s support

His sentiments come after government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura claimed that the head of state enjoys widespread but understated support in the region.

In a post on X dated November 29, 2025, Mwaura insisted that many in the mountain region quietly back the president. “Some leaders are in denial that President Ruto has many silent admirers and supporters across the Mt Kenya region. He has managed to turn around the economy that was on its knees when he took over.”

He added, “President Ruto’s supporters in the mountain region are silent, many, and scattered across villages, waiting to show up at the ballot at the right time. Time will tell.”