President William Ruto (left) with Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga during a church service at ACK St Paul’s Church in Othaya, Nyeri County on January 11, 2026.
President William Ruto has reassured residents of the politically restive Mt Kenya region that he would not abandon them as he seeks re-election in 2027, reminding them of the decisive role they played in his victory in the 2022 General Election.
During his first visit to the region this year, the President said his relationship with Mt Kenya was built on a firm foundation anchored in a shared transformation agenda.
Dr Ruto said he remains focused on delivering the priority programmes he agreed on with residents during the 2022 campaign, in a passionate appeal to a region that gave him 87 per cent of the vote but where his support appears to be waning.
Since Dr Ruto engineered the impeachment of his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua in October 2024, the latter has gone on the offensive against his former boss, eating into the President’s support base in the region.
Speaking on Sunday at Kariki ACK Church in Othaya Constituency, the President urged the region to rally behind him, and dismissed what he described as the opposition’s fixation on the “Ruto must go” slogan instead of articulating a development agenda for Kenyans.
He said politics driven by propaganda and falsehoods would not undo his relationship with the people of Mt Kenya.
“Today I am the President because of the support you, the people of the mountain, gave me. We agreed on specific programmes that I was to implement, and I want to assure you that I will not let you down,” he said.
Looking ahead to the next election, Dr Ruto said leaders would be judged on their track records.
President William Ruto (left) with Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga during a church service at ACK St Paul’s Church in Othaya, Nyeri County on January 11, 2026.
“In 2027, every leader will come back to you with what they have done. I will demonstrate that I have built roads, hospitals and improved education for our children. You will decide who deserves another term,” he said.
He again took aim at his political rivals accusing them of lacking a clear agenda.
“Their main focus is one term—‘Kasongo must go’. They have no other agenda. Come 2027, Kenyans will judge leaders based on development, not political rhetoric. Some people are trying to create a wedge between me and the people of this region, but you should not allow them to succeed,” he said.
Stalled development projects
The President said anyone aspiring to leadership must clearly outline their plans and development record.
“Kenya is full of propaganda. Some leaders are not explaining how they will create jobs for the youth; they only talk about mobilising them to vote. If you want to be elected, tell people what you plan to do for them,” he said.
President William Ruto (left) shares a light moment with Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga during a church service at ACK St Paul’s Church in Othaya, Nyeri County on January 11, 2026.
He further criticised the opposition for lacking concrete proposals for addressing youth unemployment.
As part of efforts to woo the region back to his side, the President promised to complete stalled development projects in Mt Kenya, particularly in Nyeri County.
He said the government has set aside funds to complete 600 kilometres of Mau Mau roads, including Sh2 billion for Lot Three of the Mau Mau Road linking Othaya, Kieni and Tetu constituencies.
Dr Ruto added that pending bills owed to Mau Mau roads contractors for the 2021/23 financial years have been settled, and the projects will be completed before the end of the year.
He also announced that Sh21 billion has been allocated to Nyeri County for affordable housing projects, the construction of 15 modern markets and hostels to accommodate 7,000 students.
Read: ‘My life is in danger,’ Rigathi Gachagua says after police attempt to block his Kirinyaga tour
Separately, a church service attended by Mr Gachagua nearly turned chaotic suspected hired goons attempted to lock him out at Gatundu South, Kiambu County. Mr Gachagua was attending the main service at the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA).
Local residents and police sources told Nation that the individuals had been mobilised to cause disruption, although authorities declined to comment on whether any arrests were made or summons issued to those behind the alleged plan.
It took the intervention of local residents—mostly supporters of Mr Gachagua—to confront the group before police moved in to quell the situation.
Calm was restored after police dispersed the group, allowing the church service to proceed.
The standoff lasted nearly three hours.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua addresses mourners during the burial ceremony of John Muhia, who was the father of Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, in Malewa Ranch in Nyandarua County on January 7, 2026.
Mr Gachagua, who was accompanied by several political allies, condemned the incident, accusing the government of using state machinery to intimidate those opposed to it.
“This government has made it a habit to attack people even in church. Places of worship should remain sacred and free from political intimidation,” he said.
At the same time, Mr Gachagua alleged that President William Ruto was plotting to weaken the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) by fuelling internal wrangles for political gain.
“There is a clear scheme to destabilise ODM so that it can be controlled indirectly. Kenyans must see through these tricks,” he claimed.
He also used the platform to defend former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who has recently faced criticism from leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza administration for allegedly opposing the government from outside.
