President William Ruto and Nyeri Governor Kahiga Mutahi at ACK St Paul’s Church Kariki in Othaya, Nyeri County on January 11, 2026/PCS
President William Ruto has affirmed that no one will succeed
in creating a rift between him and the people of the Mt Kenya region.
Speaking on Sunday during a church service at ACK St Paul’s
Church Kariki in Othaya, Nyeri County, Ruto, without mentioning names, said
there are individuals determined to drive a wedge between him and the region
that overwhelmingly supported him in the 2022 General Election.
“There are people who think they can create a rift between
me and people of Mt Kenya,” he stated, adding, “They cannot destroy what the
region and I have built together. That is impossible.”
The President urged those allegedly working to divide him
from the people to look elsewhere, saying he will continue walking with the
residents of the Mountain region.
“I am the President of Kenya because of your votes. The
government I am running today is because of your votes. You gave me the
opportunity to serve you,” he said.
Ruto highlighted that the region has tasked him with
addressing key issues, including education, agriculture, businesses,
infrastructure, and power.
“I know the test is in 2027 and everybody will be assessed
according to the work they have done,” he stated.
He also stressed that voters in Nyeri judge leaders based on
performance and plans, not appearances.
“Do people in Nyeri elect leaders based on their looks? You
elect people on the work they have done and their plan. We will meet in 2027
with those who like insulting other leaders,” Ruto said.
Though he did not mention anyone by name, Ruto appeared to
be taking a subtle jab at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua,
highlighting the strained relationship between the two leaders.
Once Ruto’s chief lieutenant in the Mt Kenya region,
Gachagua has become a vocal critic, accusing the President of sidelining the
region and its leaders.
The fallout between Ruto and Gachagua has evolved from a
close political partnership into open rivalry.
Gachagua has repeatedly asserted that Ruto has lost the
support of the Mt Kenya region, alleging that voters feel betrayed over
government appointments, development priorities, and key decision-making.
He argues that some leaders allied to Ruto no longer speak
for the people but for their political survival, portraying himself as the true
voice of the region.
The church service brought together national and regional
leaders, including Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, Agriculture and Livestock
Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga, and
Nyeri Woman Representative Rahab Mukami.
Ruto underscored his efforts to consolidate support in the
Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 general elections.