Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has moved to clarify that President William Ruto’s upcoming visit to the Mt. Kenya region is not politically motivated.

Speaking in Murang’a on Thursday, March 27, 2025, Kindiki emphasised that the visit is aimed at engaging with the people of the region and addressing key developmental issues, rather than pushing a political agenda.

He explained that Ruto’s trip is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to bring development to citizens across the country.

“Next week, God willing, the President will visit Murang’a, and it will not be a political gathering. He is coming to officially open our completed markets, address electricity issues, improve our roads, and inspect the ongoing irrigation projects here,” Kindiki said.

Kindiki further clarified that politicking is not the role of the government but rather that of the opposition.

“The role of the government is not to prioritise politics. That is the work of the opposition. The government’s responsibility is to ensure that citizens’ projects are fast-tracked and delivered,” he added.

Ruto’s Mt Kenya tour

Ruto is scheduled to embark on his first official tour of the Mt Kenya region since the dramatic impeachment of his former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, who has long styled himself as the region’s political kingpin.

Since Gachagua’s impeachment, the Mt Kenya region has been deeply divided, with a significant faction that previously backed Ruto solely due to Gachagua now shifting their allegiance elsewhere.

On Thursday, March 20, 2025, Gatanga MP Edward Muriu cautioned the president against mentioning Gachagua’s name or his political pact with Raila Odinga during his upcoming tour of the Mount Kenya region.

In an open letter addressed to Ruto, Muriu outlined topics he should avoid during the tour to prevent attracting booing from the residents.

“Your Excellency @WilliamsRuto, Welcome to the mountain. My advice: when you come, do not mention any leader in particular, @rigathi. The pain of betrayal is still very raw and deep. Do not mention your deal with Raila and how happy you are with it,” Muriu’s letter reads in part.

In addition to Gachagua and his pact with Raila, Muriu also cautioned the Head of State against mentioning various government projects, including the Social Health Authority (SHA), affordable housing, and the hustler fund.

Corruption, abduction, labour migration and university funding models are also featured in Muriu’s list of topics Ruto should avoid touching.

“Do not mention SHA, affordable housing, or the Hustler Fund. It will attract booing, as the people of the mountain take it as a lie. Do not mention anything to do with the abduction and killing of young people; the mountain people have buried their fair share, and the pain and bitterness are still deep in their hearts,” Muriu’s letter reads in part.

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