By Isaac Dan Bw’Onyancha
President William Ruto’s recent visit to the Mt. Kenya region was nothing more than an extravagant public relations exercise designed to prove a point—that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua no longer holds sway over the region.
With massive crowds lining up to welcome him in Nyeri, Murang’a, Kiambu, and Kirinyaga, Ruto sought to stage a grand display of political dominance.
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However, the underlying truth is far less flattering—this was a costly and carefully choreographed spectacle, fueled by mobilization efforts from local leaders desperate to impress the President.
Gachagua’s absence was neither surprising nor newsworthy. Having been sidelined from government and reduced to a vocal critic of the administration he once served, there was no reason to expect him to grace any of Ruto’s meetings.
His fallout with the President has been public and brutal, with Gachagua openly attacking the Kenya Kwanza government for allegedly neglecting the economic interests of Mt. Kenya. His political messaging has centered on a regional power base, emphasizing that the people should prioritize their own interests over blind loyalty to the government.
With Gachagua out of the picture, Ruto seized the moment to drive home his point—that he remains the ultimate authority in Mt. Kenya politics. Yet, the manner in which this was done raises serious concerns.
Reports indicate that local leaders were summoned to State House before the visit, where they were instructed to ensure a strong turnout.
Days before the rallies, money is said to have flowed freely in various towns, with residents subtly encouraged to show up and create the illusion of widespread support.
If Ruto were truly confident in his grip on the region, why the need for such elaborate mobilization?
The crowds, though impressive on the surface, did not necessarily reflect genuine enthusiasm. The fact that financial inducements were allegedly involved suggests that the region’s voters are increasingly aware of political theatrics.
Gachagua himself seemed to acknowledge this when he dismissed the tour, urging locals to “eat the money” but remain loyal to their own political path.
His statement may have been laced with defiance, but it also revealed an uncomfortable truth—Ruto’s efforts to disapprove him required significant resources, a sign that the President’s political dominance in the region may not be as natural as it once seemed.
Beyond optics, the visit also had a deeper strategic goal—preparing the ground for 2027.
Ruto’s calculated distancing from Gachagua signals an ongoing political realignment, possibly paving the way for a new running mate from the region.
By rallying key Mt. Kenya leaders around him, he sought to erase the perception that the former DP still holds influence.
However, this could backfire if the people feel that their choices are being dictated rather than naturally evolving.
The Mt. Kenya region has always been politically pragmatic, shifting its allegiance based on tangible benefits rather than loyalty to individuals.
Ruto’s tour may have impressed his handlers, but it left lingering questions. If the region still supports him wholeheartedly, why the need to manufacture a show of strength?
If Gachagua is politically finished, why go to such great lengths to disapprove him? The reality is that despite the grand spectacle, Ruto’s political dominance in the region is not as absolute as he would like it to appear.
In the end, the biggest takeaway from this visit is that Mt. Kenya remains fluid and unpredictable.
While Ruto may have succeeded in displaying political might, the real test lies ahead—whether the people buy into the show or see through the spectacle for what it truly was: an expensive public performance designed to bury the ghost of a former deputy president who was never going to attend in the first place.
As for Gachagua, the nation expects nothing less than a ferocious reaction to this political stunt.
Given his combative stance toward the government and his recent criticism of Ruto’s leadership, it is highly likely that he will dismiss the entire tour as a waste of time and resources, unworthy of any real attention.
Kenyans are watching closely, eager to see how the former Deputy President will take this latest affront.
His response is expected to be sharp, scathing, and aimed at further discrediting the President’s attempts to undermine him.
The battle for Mt. Kenya’s political future is far from over, and Gachagua’s next move will likely be a defining moment in the region’s political landscape.
Dan Onyancha is a Leadership and Governance expert and commentator
