President William Ruto made a significant entry into Mt Kenya yesterday, despite concerns that his development tour in the politically challenging region might trigger protests.
The choice of Laikipia County as the starting point for his five-day tour was noteworthy, especially following the ‘Nyahururu Declaration’ made by a group of politicians from the area months earlier after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was ousted.
This declaration saw several regional leaders rally behind Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, positioning him as the liaison between the region and the national government.
During his visit, President Ruto appeared calm and well-supported. He vowed to stay focused, even as some leaders continued to criticize his administration.
Speaking in Rumuruti, Laikipia West, where he began his tour, Ruto expressed his commitment to delivering the government’s development agenda.
The Mount Kenya region has been somewhat hostile towards the president following Gachagua’s impeachment and a recent purge of his allies from key positions in Parliament.
Gachagua and his supporters have consistently criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration, claiming it has failed to fulfill promises made to the people of Mt Kenya during the last general election, where Ruto received 3.5 million of the 7.1 million ballots cast.
In his address, Ruto stated that everyone should focus on their responsibilities, and he emphasized that in 2027, the people would make their decision.
During the tour, he inaugurated a new tuition block at Ng’arachi Comprehensive School and launched the Last Mile Electricity Connectivity Project for the constituency.
He was accompanied by DP Kindiki, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, and Governors Joshua Irungu (Laikipia) and Cecily Mbarire (Embu), among other leaders.
Ruto encouraged the public to vote out those who fail to keep their promises. “Those who are fixated on me, if you intend to compete, first find your own agenda. Tell the people what you will do; otherwise, you will go around in circles and ultimately lose,” he warned.
He assured that no community, region, or religion would be left behind in his government’s initiatives. “We are going to move forward together as one prosperous nation called Kenya,” he said.
Ruto noted an improvement in the security situation in Laikipia over the last two years, mentioning that over 40 schools had previously been closed due to insecurity.
He committed to addressing any remaining criminal activity that threatens local residents.
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So far, nine vandalized primary schools, including Ng’arachi, Kirima, Mahua, Muteta, Thigio, Gatarima, Mwenje, Nyakinyua, and Milimani primary schools, have been renovated.
Additionally, he officially flagged off the Last Mile Connectivity Programme in Ng’arachi, Laikipia County.
The government is investing over Sh1.12 billion to connect more than 9,000 households to electricity, a project aimed at fostering regional growth, and he instructed the Energy Cabinet Secretary to ensure its implementation.
Ruto also announced plans for constructing a Sh50 million market in Sibili and another in Rumuruti. He stated that Laikipia would not be left behind in development efforts.
He delivered a school bus to Dr Wachira Secondary School in Kiamariga and provided car wash machines to local boda boda operators to help boost their incomes.
The Head of State directed the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Interior to ensure the construction of all vandalised schools in Laikipia and Baringo counties, highlighting that the government has invested over Sh200 million in building schools in Laikipia.
Furthermore, he urged the Teachers Service Commission to employ and deploy more teachers in the area to replace those who had fled due to insecurity.
Ruto promised to construct additional roads to enhance accessibility, stating that the contractor for the Karandi-Marigat road would be replaced due to delays in completing the project.
Kindiki acknowledged the improved security situation in Laikipia and pledged to assist the president in achieving his development goals.
