Ruto’s Mt Kenya Tour: 6 Controversial Moments That Shaped the President’s Visit

President William Ruto’s week-long development tour of the Mt Kenya region concluded on Saturday, April 5, 2025, leaving behind a trail of political controversy that has raised questions about his influence in this crucial voting bloc.

Political Tensions Surface During Development Tour

The tour, which covered nine counties including Nyeri, Meru, and Kiambu, was officially framed as a development initiative. However, political analysts view it as a strategic move to regain favor following the president’s rift with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

While Ruto received generally warm receptions, several contentious incidents highlighted the region’s complex political dynamics and growing discontent among some factions.

1. Police IG’s Controversial Attendance at Rally

Inspector General Douglas Kanja’s presence at a Ruto rally in Nyeri County sparked criticism about police neutrality. The Law Society of Kenya demanded an apology, but Ruto defended Kanja’s attendance as part of official duties related to police housing projects.

2. MP Ichung’wah Faces Hostile Crowd in Nyandarua

Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, a staunch Ruto ally, was met with loud jeers when discussing affordable housing projects in Nyandarua. The MP stood his ground, telling the crowd, “Relax, I am not the person to be heckled,” before cutting his speech short.

3. Woman Representative Heckled in Tharaka Nithi

Tharaka Nithi Woman Representative Susan Mwindu faced similar hostility during a Chuka Town event. President Ruto intervened, appealing to the crowd: “Come on, she is a woman. Please do not heckle her too much.”

4. Opposition MP Summoned by DCI

Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, a critic of Ruto and Gachagua ally, revealed she had been summoned by investigators ahead of the president’s Kiambu visit. She defiantly stated: “Arrests you can do, but that will not change the facts!”

5. Ichung’wah Faces Second Round of Jeers

The MP encountered another hostile reception in his home county of Kiambu, suggesting waning popularity even in traditional strongholds. He maintained composure, stating in Swahili that noise wouldn’t deter development work.

6. Ruto’s Surprising Election Admission

In Othaya, Ruto made an unexpected admission about the 2027 elections, saying he would accept defeat and return to farming if voters rejected him. He pointed to his administration’s achievements in education, agriculture and infrastructure as his record.

Political Implications of the Tour

The tour revealed deepening political divisions in Ruto’s traditional support base. While development projects were showcased, the hostile receptions to some allies and the opposition MP’s summons suggest mounting challenges for the president.

As Kenya moves toward the 2027 elections, these developments in the Mt Kenya region could significantly impact the country’s political landscape and Ruto’s reelection prospects.