President William Ruto has signalled a firm refusal to cede political ground in the Mt Kenya region, framing his rivalry with former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua as a test of performance versus populism ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking on Saturday, April 25, 2026, during a rally in Murang’a, Ruto dismissed criticism from his rivals, arguing that his ties with the region are too deep to be disrupted.

“Nobody can shake me here. I have been a friend and have worked with Mt. Kenya people for over 20 years. The Murima people and I are like a ring and a finger. We can’t be separated,” he said.

The president framed his political approach as one anchored on delivery rather than rhetoric, aiming at opponents he accused of lacking substance.

“Those trying to compete with me have no plan or agenda. They come to Murang’a and say only three words. Kasongo must go. Is that an agenda?” he posed.

Ruto further signalled that he would not be drawn into political mudslinging, insisting that development would be his response to critics.

“There are people who think they can insult me and make noise to drive me out of the Mt Kenya region. I want to tell them that they are daydreaming. I will continue building roads, educating our children, and reforming agriculture and healthcare,” he said.

He added that leadership should ultimately be judged on performance rather than political theatrics.

“If their job is to hurl insults, preach tribalism, hatred and division, they are not fit to lead.”

Mt Kenya political chess game

These remarks come against the backdrop of an aggressive counter-campaign by Gachagua, who has been working to consolidate the Mt Kenya voting bloc while directly challenging Ruto’s standing in the region.

Addressing supporters in Kirinyaga, Gachagua issued a blunt warning.

 “Nataka nikwaambie William Ruto, mimi Riggy G nikiwa nyumbani hapa Kirinyaga, nikiwa mtoto ya Mau Mau, nakwambia leo mchana, ukipata five per cent ya kura hapa mlimani, Riggy G hapana mwanaume,” he declared.

Gachagua also accused the president of misleading other regions on the state of the coffee sector and shifting blame for its struggles.

“Wewe Kasongo, nimeskia juzi, ukienda kwa Wajaluo, kuongea mambo ya kahawa. Kudanganya Wajaluo, ati mimi ndio niliharibu kahawa. Kasongo wewe, ndio uliharibu kahawa. Ukashikana na macartel, ukasambaratisha sector ya Kahawa, ile shillingi billioni saba, iliweza kusaidia wakulima wa kahawa, ukachukua, ukaiba,” he said.

Beyond the rhetoric, Gachagua’s political strategy reflects a calculated attempt to position himself as the central figure in Mt Kenya politics. He has consistently framed the contest as one of regional defence, urging voters to reject leaders aligned with Ruto.

“All traitors of the Kenyan people and our community who are helping William Ruto persecute our people must be voted out without fear or favour,” he said in recent remarks.

Gachagua’s charm offensive

At the same time, he has adopted a conciliatory tone toward former rivals under his gather all, scatter none approach, signalling an effort to unify the region into a single voting bloc ahead of 2027.

The standoff between Ruto and Gachagua now reflects two competing political models. Ruto is banking on incumbency and a development-driven narrative to sustain his foothold, while Gachagua is leveraging identity, grievance, and grassroots mobilisation to reshape regional loyalty.

As both leaders dig in, the battle for Mt Kenya is increasingly becoming a referendum on whether voters will prioritise delivery or align behind a unified regional political front.

However, questions remain about whether such unity can extend to other elective positions.

Former Attorney General Justin Muturi argues that while Gachagua may succeed in influencing the presidential vote, the region’s political diversity will still shape outcomes in parliamentary and local contests.

“The mountain is a very diverse area. Remember, he has his DCP, I have my DP, Martha has PLP, there is Jubilee of Uhuru, Peter Munya’s PNU and others,” Muturi said.

“No matter what we do, the region will vote overwhelmingly for one presidential candidate, whom we will pick, but other positions will be shared with other parties, much as DCP may become the dominant one.”