•Ruto vouched for his broad-based government idea.
•He also urged the region to shun protests.
Image: WILLIAM RUTO/X
President William Ruto on Wednesday started a three-day intensive tour of the vote-rich Mt Kenya coming at a time when his administration faces a plethora of political battles.
The head of state began his meet-the-people tour of the restive region, with stops in Embu where he launched a number of projects and addressed residents.
During his speeches at various stops, the President explained why he chose to work with opposition leader Raila Odinga under the broad-based government concept.
Speaking in Runyenjes, Embu county, Ruto said the new inclusive government is to bring together leaders from various political quarters to help him tackle the issues bedevilling the country.
“Days ago, I formed the government of national unity so that we bring all Kenyans together, collect our taxes together and also pay our debts together," he said.
"We are all one team. We have agreed that we are uniting Kenya into one team. The other day I formed a government that will unite all Kenyans because I don't want any more incitement from any Kenyan. If it's debts, let's pay together. If it is about taxes, let's look for it together."
"I alone should not be called Zakayo, let's all plan how to get taxes for Kenya. The money I am looking for in the country goes to our account. So everyone should come and be named Zakayo, let's find that tax together,” Ruto said.
The President is scheduled to visit and launch more projects in Murang'a and Kirinyaga counties today and tomorrow, coming at the height of a widening split with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The visit also comes against the drumbeats of a plot to impeach the DP, who has also complained of a government crackdown targeting him and his allies.
Recently, DCI officers seized phones belonging to two of Gachagua’s allies – Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru and his Embakasi North counterpart James Gakuya.
Gachagua, who accompanied the President and is expected to take part in all the scheduled activities, received a rapturous reception in his address to Embu residents.
“You will be seeing us more often. We will be coming to monitor the progress of these projects,” Gachagua said, adding they would continue with the fight against alcoholism.
Also in the entourage was Governor Cecily Mbarire and MPs from Mt Kenya.
Mt Kenya 'abandoned their son Uhuru Kenyatta' and voted in Ruto almost to the last man, but the recent political events are argued to have eaten into that support.
The tour is also viewed as to help Ruto assess his support and influence in the region, especially after welcoming Raila into the Kenya Kwanza fold and handing him prime slots.
Kenya Kwanza heavily campaigned against Raila in the region in the run-up to the 2022 presidential election, leading to their resounding defeat against Uhuru, who had backed the ODM leader in the poll.
After the protests mounted by Gen Zs, Raila and Ruto have reached a working formula-albeit unofficially-setting the stage for many changes in the Kenya Kwanza political matrix.
Last week, Ruto nominated ODM chairman John Mbadi as Treasury CS in changes which saw Mt Kenya lose hold of the prime post, which was occupied by one-time CBK boss Njuguna Ndung’u.
The President also nominated other Raila allies namely Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives), Hassan Joho (Mining) and Opiyo Wandayi (Energy) in a move that is argued to have upset some of the Mt Kenya’s expectations.
Political observers hold that the tour is to help Ruto assess the response to his plan for a broad-based government and to gauge the mood in the region in the face of Gachagua sentiments.
Recently, the DP addressed Mt Kenya community through the region’s vernacular stations and lamented persecution by the state machinery, claiming the NIS and DCI have been on his case for some time.
Gachagua alleged a plot to assassinate him and his allies to silence them, events which are said to have endeared the DP to the region’s populace, elevating his acceptability as the region’s kingpin.
Ruto launched the Iriari-Kanyuambora Road, works on Irari Irrigation project, Kanyuambora irrigation, Kaamumu road, Kamburu bulk water, a county industrial park and Makutano ESP park.
He also laid the foundation stone of Makutano Fresh Produce Market at Makutano, Mbeere South constituency.
The president also pledged to build more roads, connect more households to the electricity, ICT hubs in every ward, and commission water projects.
Leaders who accompanied Ruto said they were elated by the President and would back him in the 2027 election, in appreciation for remembering the region.
Mbeere South MP Bernard Muriuki said, “We are happy you came and launched this project. We also welcome the plans for water projects…come again. You are the first president to do this so in 2027, count on our support.”