Inside Ruto’s Mt Kenya tour: The itinerary that is causing political jitters

President William Ruto is set to embark on a highly anticipated tour of the Mt Kenya region from April 1 to April 5, 2025, a visit that has raised political temperatures and intensified speculation about his next moves in the region.

While the official narrative positions the tour as a development-focused visit, political analysts argue that Ruto is making a strategic effort to regain favour in the vote-rich region after his acrimonious fallout with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The tour comes at a delicate time, as the region remains politically charged following Gachagua’s impeachment – a move orchestrated by Ruto’s administration.

Many residents and leaders have expressed discontent with the government, and Ruto’s visit is seen as an attempt to mend relations and reassert his influence.

The itinerary

According to the official itinerary, President Ruto will visit eight counties over five days:

April 1: Laikipia and Nyeri Counties

Morning: Rumuruti, Laikipia County

Flagging off AFD/EU/EIB-funded projects for Laikipia County

Kenya Power to provide project brief, ensure the contractor is on-site, mobilization, branding, PPE distribution, and media coverage

Afternoon: Kieni, Nyeri County

Commissioning of Gikamba last-mile electrification program

REREC to organize commercial activity, branding, PPEs, and media coverage

April 2: Meru and Kirinyaga Counties

Morning: Imenti South, Meru County

Commissioning of Nkuene sub-station

Flagging off AFD/EU/EIB projects for Meru County

Afternoon: Kagio Market, Kirinyaga County

Flagging off AFD/EU/EIB projects

REREC to ensure electrification of the County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP) and EPZ in Kirinyaga

April 3: Nyandarua and Murang’a Counties

Morning: Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County

Flagging off AFD/EU/EIB projects

Afternoon: Maragwa, Murang’a County

Flagging off AFD/EU/EIB projects

April 4: Tharaka Nithi and Embu Counties

Morning: Mitheru, Tharaka Nithi County

Commissioning of last-mile electrification program

REREC to organize activities and media coverage

Afternoon: Embu Town, Embu County

Flagging off AFD/EU/EIB projects

REREC to ensure electrification of the County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP)

April 5: Nyeri and Kiambu Counties

Morning: Ruring’u, Nyeri County

Flagging off AFD/EU/EIB projects

Laying of a school foundation at the affordable housing site

Afternoon: Lari, Kiambu County

REREC to share updates on metering projects

Hostile reception looms

President Ruto is walking into a region that has grown increasingly hostile toward him.

Mt Kenya overwhelmingly supported Ruto in the 2022 election, but recent political developments, particularly the removal of Gachagua, have led to disillusionment among voters.

Many feel the region has been sidelined in favour of Ruto’s inner circle, which has fueled resentment.

Already, key allies of the President, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, have been actively traversing the region, drumming up support and preparing the ground for his visit.

Billboards welcoming the President have also been erected in key towns across Mt Kenya, including Kiambu, Nyeri, and Kirinyaga, signaling an aggressive mobilization effort by the ruling coalition.

Gachagua, in a fiery speech in Naivasha on Saturday, March 29, 2025, urged Mt Kenya residents to attend Ruto’s rallies but advised them to take any money offered by organizers without feeling obligated to support the President.

“If you are going to listen to him, ask for a hefty price. Do not accept less money. President Ruto, get your finances in order and bring the money because we elected you for free,” Gachagua said.

His remarks further stoked tensions, with analysts seeing them as an open declaration of political war against Ruto.

The road ahead

As the tour unfolds, the political stakes will be high.

How the President is received in Mt Kenya will be a critical test of his grip on the region.

Ruto’s allies are keen to reassert dominance, while Gachagua’s growing influence remains a thorn in his side.

For now, all eyes are on Mt Kenya, where a political showdown is set to play out over the next five days.