Bitter words and broken promises: Gachagua, Ruto allies clash over Mt. Kenya tour

The political factions are embroiled in a storm of verbal clashes between key politicians allied to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and President William Ruto, following a series of fiery exchanges over the President’s recent Mt. Kenya tour and accusations of unfulfilled promises.
As Ruto’s administration continues to face pressure over its handling of regional issues, especially in the votes rich Mt. Kenya region, the mounting frustration among Gachagua’s supporters has sparked intense debates and accusations about political betrayal.
In a series of statements and public interactions, figures from the Mt. Kenya political faction have sharply criticized Ruto for what they describe as “fake promises” made to the region before the 2022 elections, particularly over matters concerning economic recovery, job creation, and the distribution of resources to the region.
The accusations culminated during Ruto’s recent tour of Mt. Kenya, where the President’s promises to fast-track development in the region were met with skepticism and outright rebuke by some of his former allies.
“Ruto’s tour is nothing more than a political stunt,” said Gachagua, a rally in Meru County, Gachagua was blunt in his criticism of the President’s recent visit.
“The people of Mt. Kenya are tired of being given false hope. They are asking, where are the jobs, where is the economic growth, and where are the promises that were made to them during the campaigns?”
Gachagua’s statement came in the wake of a tour by President Ruto that aimed to solidify his support in the central region. While Ruto’s speeches focused heavily on unity and progress, critics, including Gachagua’s close allies, have accused the President of focusing on national issues while neglecting the very people who helped propel him to the presidency.
“It’s clear to us that after the elections, the President has forgotten Mt. Kenya,” said Senator Karungo Thangwa and an ally of Gachagua
“The promises made during the campaigns have yet to materialize, and that is a cause for concern. If the President does not address the challenges facing the region, we risk losing the trust of the people.”
The accusations that Ruto has sidelined the Mt. Kenya region have created rifts within the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition, with some members expressing frustration at the President’s perceived disregard for their support base.
The tensions are further heightened by the fact that many of the politicians allied to Gachagua—some of whom are influential leaders in Mt. Kenya—feel that their influence in the government is waning as Ruto solidifies his grip on national politics.
“We cannot continue to sit idly by and watch as our people suffer,” said Senator John Methu. “We supported President Ruto because he promised to deliver for us. It is time for him to honor those promises or risk alienating a critical voting block.”
Methu’s remarks came on the heels of an ongoing debate about the President’s recent engagements with leaders from other regions, which have been described as an effort to build national cohesion at the expense of Mt. Kenya’s specific needs.
However, President Ruto has denied these accusations, vehemently defending his administration’s commitment to the economic revival of Mt. Kenya and the entire country. “Our government remains dedicated to the development of all regions, and Mt. Kenya is no exception,” Ruto stated following his tour.
“We have rolled out several initiatives aimed at boosting the local economy, creating jobs, and improving infrastructure. It is important to remember that we are working for the benefit of all Kenyans, and progress takes time.”
The President also emphasized the importance of unity within the Kenya Kwanza government, stressing that divisions within the ruling coalition could hinder the administration’s goals.
“I urge my colleagues, including those in Mt. Kenya, to focus on delivering results for the people rather than engaging in unnecessary political squabbles,” Ruto said, seeking to quell any growing discontent within his ranks.
Despite Ruto’s defense, the remarks from his allies and detractors alike reveal a deeper dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs in the region. One of the key issues highlighted by critics is the delay in fulfilling the promises made to young people, particularly in terms of job creation and economic empowerment.
As Gachagua and others have pointed out, these issues were central to the political discourse during the 2022 elections.
“The youth of Mt. Kenya are struggling, and yet the promises made to them remain unfulfilled,” Gachagua asserted.
“The President needs to acknowledge that the future of this region lies in empowering the young generation. If we do not deliver on that promise, the future of this country is at risk.”
The tensions have also highlighted the delicate balance Ruto must strike in managing his coalition, which consists of diverse regional interests.
While Mt. Kenya remains a critical pillar of his political base, Ruto must also cater to the needs of other regions, particularly the Rift Valley and parts of the Coast, which played a significant role in his rise to power.
Political analysts have warned that if the current rift continues to widen, it could spell trouble for Ruto’s administration, especially as he heads into his second year in office.
“Ruto needs to address the grievances of his allies in Mt. Kenya, or he risks creating a fractured coalition that could undermine his ability to govern effectively,” said political analyst, Macharia Munene.