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President William Ruto has pushed back against politicians he accuses of trying to act as gatekeepers of Central Kenya's political direction ahead of the next general election, asserting that he serves all Kenyans and will not bow to what he termed a "tiny and corrupt political cartel." Speaking during a two-day development tour of Murang'a County, Ruto insisted that his engagement with the region spans over two decades and is anchored on the delivery of projects agreed upon before the 2022 election.

Coverage Comparison

Reports of the president's remarks, carried by AllAfrica, present a consistent picture of a leader determined to counter narratives that his political fate in the Mount Kenya region is controlled by a few influential figures. Both accounts emphasize Ruto's defiant tone, with one framing his comments as a direct response to criticism from political leaders, while the other highlights his focus on defending his administration's record. The coverage also notes that the president was accompanied by senior officials, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Cabinet Secretaries Alice Wahome and William Kabogo, and Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah.

Key Claims

  • Political Autonomy: Ruto said he will not be controlled by individuals claiming to hold regional voting blocs. "There are some people who pretend that they have the votes of the people of Mt Kenya in their pocket, and want me to kneel before them. I want to tell them that I will only humble myself before wananchi and kneel before God, and not another human being!" he said.
  • Constitutional Freedoms: He accused some leaders of attempting to limit Kenyans' constitutional freedom to associate and make independent political choices. "They want to dictate what songs to listen to, where we will go, and who you will vote for. Ignore them with the contempt they deserve," Ruto added.
  • Development Investments: The government is investing KSh27 billion in Murang'a County for the construction of 6,800 affordable housing units, 25 modern markets, and student hostels expected to accommodate about 7,000 learners. Ruto also inspected ongoing works at Ciumbu and Saba Saba modern markets and laid the foundation stone for the KSh366 million Kabati Market in Kandara Constituency, which is expected to host over 1,000 traders.
  • Agricultural Reforms: Ruto highlighted reductions in fertiliser prices from KSh7,000 to KSh2,500, and reforms in the coffee sector—including removal of middlemen—that have raised prices from KSh60 to between KSh110 and KSh160 per kilogram. He also announced a KSh10 million allocation for solar dryers for coffee factories in Mathioya Constituency.
  • Other County Projects: In Kigumo Constituency, Ruto handed over milk coolers to local dairy cooperatives and officially opened the KSh343 million Kangari Modern Market, alongside a borehole project. He also noted that 452,000 residents in Murang'a have registered under the Social Health Authority.

Perspectives

The president's remarks reflect a broader strategy to consolidate support in the Mount Kenya region, a key political battleground. Ruto dismissed criticism from opposition leaders, challenging them to present alternative development agendas. "If their job is to hurl insults, preach tribalism, hatred and division, they are not fit to lead," he said. He also said he does not require permission to visit any part of the country, responding to suggestions that his political influence in the region might be waning.

Observers note that while Ruto's message is focused on development, the political undertones are unmistakable, particularly with the 2027 election on the horizon. The president's rejection of "political cartels" signals a push to neutralise traditional power brokers and appeal directly to voters. However, the full impact of these remarks on the region's political dynamics remains to be seen, as the sources did not include reactions from the leaders Ruto appeared to target.