KIRINYAGA, Kenya — President William Ruto has dismissed claims that his administration is sidelining leaders from the Mt Kenya region, insisting his government remains inclusive and anchored in long-standing political alliances.
Speaking on Wednesday during a meeting with grassroots leaders from Kirinyaga County at State House, Nairobi, the President challenged critics of his government’s composition, pointing to his deputy, Kithure Kindiki, as evidence of regional representation.
“There are people who are claiming I have removed Mt Kenya leaders from the government. I want to ask you, is Deputy President Kithure Kindiki from Nyanza?” he said.
“Mt Kenya people are my friends. Our friendship goes way back. We agreed to support former President Uhuru Kenyatta and served for 10 years. They then voted for me because I helped them. I do not need to be introduced by anyone to the people of Mt Kenya,” he added.
The President also defended Kindiki against growing criticism, describing him as a disciplined and development-focused leader.
“I want to say this: Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is wise and a person who has vision. He does not have pride or disrespect. He is hard-working. Since he became the Deputy President, he has toured the country to help me with development projects like markets, roads, electricity, water and affordable housing,” Ruto said.
He urged critics to abandon what he termed as divisive politics, warning against tribalism and political hostility.
During the engagement, Ruto outlined ongoing development initiatives in Kirinyaga County as part of his administration’s broader economic transformation programme.
He said the government is supporting farmers in key sectors including coffee, tea, avocado and dairy, with plans to deliver 13 milk coolers to the county next month to improve storage and reduce post-harvest losses.
In housing, the President said the government has invested Sh15 billion in approximately 4,000 affordable housing units, with projects in Gichugu and Kirinyaga nearing completion.
He also cited investments in market infrastructure, with Sh1.5 billion allocated to 12 modern markets, three of which are already complete, alongside student accommodation projects targeting 4,000 university and college students.
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Ruto said healthcare facilities in the county are being upgraded with equipment worth Sh330 million. Plans are also underway to establish a research centre under the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) in Mwea, alongside the construction of a Level 4 hospital with an allocation of Sh200 million.
On infrastructure, he said 19,000 households have already been connected to electricity, with an additional 9,500 expected to benefit in the next financial year.
He added that Sh6 billion has been earmarked for the completion of road projects across the county.
The remarks come amid heightened political debate over regional representation and inclusivity within government, particularly in the Mt Kenya region, which remains a critical voting bloc in Kenya’s political landscape.
Analysts note that development delivery and political alliances are likely to shape the dynamics ahead of the 2027 General Election, as leaders seek to consolidate regional support.
