I will not isolate you, Ruto assures Mt Kenya residents

President William Ruto kicked off his five-day tour of the restive Mt Kenya region yesterday with an assurance to the residents that they would not be isolated by the government.

 The President’s message was the same during stopovers in Laikipia and Nyeri counties where he inspected and launched projects worth billions of shillings.

Dr Ruto was accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Cabinet secretaries, Members of Parliament and governors.

The Head of State said he was committed to having a united country, and no region or community would be isolated in the development agenda of the broad-based government.

He said the inclusion of those who were in the opposition into the government would speed up development and improve the economic status of the nation.

Dr Ruto also hit out at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who said that his former boss had launched a systematic strategy to kick leaders from Mt Kenya region out of his government.

Mr Gachagua, who was impeached by Parliament in October last year, said that MPs from Central Kenya were removed from key parliamentary committees and replaced by allies of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The former DP also alleged that there was a State-sanctioned plot to remove Chief Justice Martha Koome from office. He also claimed that parastatal officers and principal secretaries allied to him were being targeted.

But while speaking in Nanyuki town, Laikipia County, after inspecting the construction of a Sh350 million modern market, President Ruto dismissed the claims as mere propaganda.

“There are some who have been spreading propaganda that some communities will be isolated. I want to assure you that there will be no community, no county and no region that is going to be sidelined in the broad-based government, but we are going to work together as one people with one destiny,” said Dr Ruto.

“This government was formed by the people of Mt Kenya. I am not a fool, nor am I drunk to forget the contribution you made. I can’t let the Mountain be left out of development. In five years, you will assess our work and decide what to do. I am aware that if I don't deliver, I will be sent home. I will work hard to deliver.”

The Head of State maintained that development projects would be spread equitably in all regions and cautioned Kenyans against some leaders who were preaching divisive politics.

Mt Kenya region propelled President Ruto to State House in the bitterly contested August 2022 General Election — voting for him almost to a man with 47 per cent of his 7.1 million votes.

“I am not insane to forget how you voted for me massively. I will make sure that projects that benefit you, may they be roads, markets, roads, affordable housing, education or electricity connection, go on without any interruption,” he said.

Dr Ruto listed various projects which were either underway, earmarked or would be included in the 2025/2026 budget.

“I have come here for development programmes on electricity connection worth Sh720 million to an additional 4,000 households. We shall also increase internet connectivity,” he said.

In Nanyuki, Dr Ruto pledged to upgrade roads. He also said that the government is committed to tarmacking the long-awaited Nanyuki-Rumuruti road.

“I know you are eagerly waiting to know the fate of the crucial 74km Nanyuki-Rumuruti road. I have instructed the Roads Principal Secretary to ensure it is upgraded,” he said, without stating when construction will begin.

Dr Ruto also promised to have the Nanyuki Municipal Stadium rehabilitated. He told Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri to liaise with Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya to ensure that it is done. Hundreds of residents from Nanyuki, Laikipia and Narumoru in Nyeri County turned up early to welcome the President, as women’s groups danced and sang songs of praise for him.

In Naromoru, Dr Ruto was received by hundreds of boda boda riders who wore reflector jackets sponsored by local politicians.

The President launched the construction of classrooms at DEB Nanyuki Town Primary and Junior Secondary before inspecting the Nanyuki market and affordable housing units projects.

He later issued title deeds, flagged off rural electrification projects worth Sh847 million and inspected a market in Naromoru town.

While at it, the President said that he would not be lured into responding to petty politics.

“Those using tribal rhetoric will be the losers. Development cannot happen through useless politics,” Dr Ruto said, adding that the electorate believed in him and hired him to run the country.

President Ruto defended the broad-based government, saying it was meant to unite the country.

"This government is enough for all of us," he said, adding that he will not be deterred from touring Mt Kenya region to deliver development programmes.

"I’ve decided to unite all Kenyans. This is why today I have Mutahi Kagwe as minister and others who were in opposition," Dr Ruto said.

Prof Kindiki accused their rivals in the region of working towards propagating tribal politics.

"We want to focus on politics of development and not tribal bigotry. It is of no value to boast about where we come from when other Kenyans are sidelined," Prof Kindiki said.

"My work is not to fight the President but to help him deliver on his mandate. I’m the principal assistant. I will work with the Cabinet secretaries, PSs and other government officials to lighten the load of the President," he said.

Prof Kindiki scoffed at the call to unite one region against other parts of the country, saying the tour is meant to give a half-term progress report of the broad-based government.

“Our report is that we started off with a weak economy and hefty debts. We have stabilised the economy and cost of living. Coffee farmers are receiving up to Sh140 per kilo of cherry. We have earned more money from coffee sales than during at any other time in recent history," the DP said.

He said the government was now focusing on reviving and completing stalled projects.

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, a staunch supporter of Mr Gachagua, said they would remain in government so that the region gets development.

National Assembly Leader of Majority Kimani Ichung’wah said the President will focus on his work.

The President was accompanied by CSs Julius Ogamba, Alice Wahome, William Kabogo, Rebecca Miano, and Mr Kagwe. Also present were governors Cecily Mbarire and her Laikipia counterpart, Joshua Irungu,, as well as MPs Sarah Korere, Jane Kagiri, Wainaina Njoroge, Mathenge Maina, Rahab Mukami and Eric Wamumbi.

damuchui@ke.nationmedia.com, mwndirangu@ke.nationmedia.com