Ruto’s forays in Mt Kenya stir controversy in political camps

Deputy President William Ruto (third right), Murang’a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria and Kandara MP Alice Wahome (right) join dancers during an event at Gaichanjiru High School. [File, Standard]

Is Murang’a County Deputy President William Ruto’s entry point into Mt Kenya region? 

This is the question observers have been asking, going by the number of visits the DP has made to the vote-rich region.

Monthly trips to the county which centre on funds drive in churches and schools have set tongues wagging as they are used as a campaign platform.

Although Ruto has maintained that his tours are in support of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Big Four Agenda, he was recently forced to defend himself in public during the funeral of the late Benga maestro John De’ Mathew in Gatanga.

Prayer rallies in Murang’a where Ruto was the alleged chief guest have been cancelled twice in May and April, an indication of the controversy around his determination to woo the region.

Declared allegiance

Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu believes the DP is drawn to Murang’a because it is a political outlier from the rest of the region. 

He said Ruto should not be deceived by support he is receiving in Murang’a given its longing to produce a president.

“It is a region that can be sold the need to support somebody so that they can get to national prominence say the deputy presidency,” he said.

Mr Ngunjiri argued that the DP has faced opposition in Nyeri despite frequenting the region. A week ago he was in Othaya and Kieni.

The Nyeri Town MP is the most vocal spokesman of the Team Kieleweke, but his is a lone voice in the county where Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua, Governor Mutahi Kahiga, Woman MP Rahab Mukami and Tetu MP Mwangi Gichuhi have declared allegiance to Ruto.

During a rally in Limuru a week ago, Nyandarua Governor Francis Kimemia, Kiambu Woman Representative Gathoni wa Muchomba and former Dagoretti South MP Dennis Waweru said the region was loyal to President Uhuru. 

“You might see differences now but if you understand the history of the region, you will know that we shall ultimately be one.

“When the time of reckoning comes, we shall speak in one voice,” said Mr Kimemia.

He said since politics involved numbers and resources, those seeking support from Mt Kenya know the region has both elements.

“We are accused of disintegration because we are known to be the majority and endowed with resources. Everyone wants us,” said Wa Muchomba.

Ruto’s courtship of Murang’a could also be strategic to slice a chunk of Central vote. 

According to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Murang’a has 587,126 voters, Nyeri (456,949) and Kirinyaga (349,836).

It is telling that since the March 9, 2018 handshake, the President and ODM leader Raila Odinga have not toured Mt Kenya to rally support for their peace initiative while Ruto and his allies have been visiting the region to campaign against constitutional change.

“The people of Murang’a have a lot of respect for the DP. They love him; you go where you are warmly welcome and where people are warm,” Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro said.

Nominated Senator Isaac Mwaura claimed the DP enjoys more than 80 per cent support in the region.

Denounced any deal

“It is not a question of speculation. Ruto is the man to beat, he is enjoying over 80 per cent support in Mt Kenya,” he told Sunday Standard.

But does this mean President Kenyatta is losing hold of his base?

Waweru dismissed those disputing Uhuru’s grip on Mt Kenya politics saying they were “self-seekers” and it was only a matter of time before the region demonstrates its unity.

“Uhuru will remain our leader to guide us, that is not negotiable even in 2022. There is no doubt about that,” he said.

“It is not true that Uhuru is falling out of favour, people still respect him as the de facto leader of Mt Kenya,” Mwaura said.

“All the same, Mt Kenya region is behind President Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto,” Mr Nyoro said.

Gema chairperson Ndung’u Gaithuma denounced any deal between the President and political leaders from other regions saying if there was any, it was personal. 

“If he (Uhuru) talked with any political leader and sealed a deal, the community was not involved,” said Mr Gaithuma during inauguration of Thiong’o wa Gitau as senior elder of the Gikuyu community in Limuru.

He dismissed claims that Mt Kenya was divided saying the community was waiting for the President to show direction in 2022 politics.