President William Ruto has been actively engaging with the Mt. Kenya region since taking office in 2022.
The region, which has historically been a key political battleground in Kenya, is known for its strong political influence.
Ruto’s efforts in Mt. Kenya have been largely focused on consolidating support and strengthening his political base in the area.
Here are a few key points about his engagement with the Mt. Kenya region:
Political Alliances and Support: Before his presidential bid, Ruto faced strong opposition from prominent figures in Mt. Kenya, especially from his former political ally, Uhuru Kenyatta, who supported Raila Odinga during the 2022 elections.
However, Ruto worked hard to win over key leaders and constituencies in the region by offering promises of economic empowerment, development, and inclusive leadership.
Economic Empowerment Programs: Ruto has emphasized economic empowerment for ordinary Kenyans in his “bottom-up” economic model.
Development Projects: The president has also promised to focus on infrastructural development in the region.
This includes improvements in roads, healthcare, and educational institutions. He has signaled his intention to invest in projects that could uplift the standard of living in the region.
Ruto’s Mt. Kenya Tour: In his presidential campaigns, Ruto undertook several tours of the region, where he worked on building his political presence and appealing directly to the people. His speeches often focused on addressing local concerns, including land issues, the cost of living, and the need for more regional development.
Symbolic Leadership: While Ruto has sought to engage with the region’s leaders, he has also carefully positioned himself as a leader who understands the region’s needs and culture.His approach is seen as an attempt to gain political legitimacy and solidify his power in the region, particularly given Mt. Kenya’s historical role in the presidency.
Post-Election Relationships: Since winning the presidency, Ruto has maintained close ties with some political leaders from Mt. Kenya, though tensions remain with others who were aligned with his opponents.
His ability to maintain a balanced relationship with diverse groups in the region is seen as crucial for his long-term political influence.
In summary, President Ruto’s relationship with the Mt. Kenya region is built on a combination of political engagement, promises of economic upliftment, and regional development.
While challenges remain, his focus on addressing the needs of the people and creating new opportunities has made him a central figure in the region’s politics.
