President William Ruto has asserted that he holds a firm political grip on the Mt Kenya region, a relationship he claims has spanned over two(2) decades.

However, questions remain as to whether his recent tour of the region solidified his support or if a section of voters continues to drift toward his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua.

Speaking in Meru County on Wednesday, Dr Ruto dismissed the notion that he needs political intermediaries to maintain his influence in the vote-rich region.

“I have journeyed with you for 20 years now, and I will not allow an individual to tear apart that relationship with politics of hatred and bitterness," the President stated.

"Since you respected me by overwhelmingly voting for me, I will reciprocate that respect through development. You will be surprised,”

The Head of State’s five-day tour has elicited mixed reactions from political analysts and leaders, with some seeing it as an effort to boost development in the region, which overwhelmingly voted for the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Political analyst John Ndung’u, also known as Toddy, commented on the President’s tour, stating: “Mt Kenya people have really benefited from the President's visit in terms of development. It’s only wise to support the government of the day as long as there is a need for development”.

“Elections will come in 2027, and former DP Gachagua will have a huge task convincing Mt Kenya people to abandon development and support his political agenda, especially if the President continues to fulfill his promises,” he added.

Ndung’u further criticized constant political shifts, urging the region to focus on long-term governance rather than switching allegiances.

On his part, Nairobi lawyer Levi Munyeri told AV Delta News: “It is a bold strategy for the President to visit Mt Kenya at a time when the ground is considered hostile, partly due to tensions surrounding the impeachment of his former DP Gachagua”.

“By going directly to the people, Ruto is circumventing UDA rebels. The rationale is simple: he doesn’t need all the Mountain votes, just a portion, while supplementing with support from Nyanza and Western.” the lawyer added.

Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi expressed confidence in Dr Ruto’s support in Mt Kenya.

“President William Samoei Ruto will get 58 percent of Mt Kenya votes. These days, people are wise. They elect leaders with vision and a plan. It’s development versus noise,” he posted on his Facebook page.

But speaking to AV Delta News, Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni said the President's tour to the region did not yield an impact in solidifying his support.

Kioni argues that the region's residents are opposed to him.

"The people who are strongly opposed to Ruto right now are people from Mt Kenya region. In fact, his visit has had zero impact on the ground because their choice of political party is Jubilee which has delivered before and will deliver again," Kioni said.

Lawyer Ndung’u Wangenye welcomed Dr Ruto’s visit but emphasized the need for real development.

“We welcome the President to Mt Kenya. We are part of Kenya and require development like any other region. In Nyandarua, we appreciate the revival of JM Memorial Hospital Complex, which, if left to the county government, would never be completed. However, leaders skipping the President’s visit are a disgrace. They are engaging in political theatrics with Gachagua instead of focusing on development,” he said.

However, People’s Liberation Party (PLP) Nyandarua County Executive Secretary David Ragui expressed skepticism, accusing the President of making empty promises.

“Nyandarua residents are used to his numerous unfulfilled promises. We need to see work being done, not more pledges. Some of the projects he launched should have been inaugurated by village elders,” Ragui told Inooro TV.

Former Nyandarua Governor Francis Kimemia acknowledged the region’s longstanding marginalization and called for respectful engagement.

“The challenges in Mt Kenya are not unique. To the extent that the President has opened dialogue with the people, I encourage Nyandarua residents to listen. He has lined up several projects for our region, which has long suffered from underdevelopment,” Mr Kimemia said.

Before the President’s visit, a faction of Mt Kenya leaders led by Rigathi Gachagua accused Dr. Ruto of sidelining key figures who helped him ascend to power.

Mr Gachagua criticized the President for purging Mt Kenya leaders from strategic positions in both the Legislature and Executive arms of government, terming it a betrayal.

“Our people hate lies. His intention was to use us and then abandon us. I urge leaders from the region not to be deceived. As a President, you don’t need to promise our people development, you need to complete projects and then launch them,” Gachagua said in an interview with Kameme TV.

He also dismissed Dr Ruto’s meetings at Sagana State Lodge, arguing that pending projects do not require elaborate delegations.

“The President is welcome to Mt Kenya, but he should come to launch completed projects, not to make more promises,” Gachagua added.

Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia noted that the tour appeared more political than developmental.

“There is extreme backlash against political leaders seen with the President, especially after most of them disagreed with his statements on agriculture and development. Many perceive this as a political tour rather than a development initiative,” Kaguchia said.

The visit marks a critical moment in the evolving Mt Kenya political landscape, with Dr Ruto attempting to reinforce his grip while Gachagua seeks to rally discontented factions. Whether the tour will yield lasting political dividends remains to be seen.

Beyond the political battles, economic concerns continue to shape opinions in Mt Kenya.

Farmers in the region have raised concerns over the government’s handling of agricultural reforms, particularly in the coffee and tea sectors. While the President has promised reforms, some farmers remain skeptical about their implementation.

Political observers argue that Dr Ruto’s strategy to bypass regional kingpins and connect directly with voters could redefine Mt Kenya’s political future.

If successful, it could weaken Gachagua’s influence and consolidate the President’s control over the region ahead of the 2027 elections.

Dr Ruto’s visit also underscores the broader challenge of managing a diverse coalition. Balancing the expectations of his stronghold with emerging alliances in Nyanza and Western will be crucial in shaping his second-term prospects.

As the dust settles on President Ruto’s visit to Mt Kenya, the political landscape remains fluid.

Whether his engagements will translate into sustained support or merely serve as a temporary political maneuver is yet to be determined.

What is clear, however, is that both Dr Ruto and Gachagua are positioning themselves for an intense battle for the region’s loyalty in the coming years.

With development promises on one side and political realignments on the other, Mt Kenya’s voters will ultimately decide who best represents their interests in the evolving national landscape.