From chants of “Ruto Must Go” to public walkouts and heckling of government officials, the political tides in Mount Kenya appear to be turning against President William Ruto and his UDA party. The region, which overwhelmingly supported Ruto in the last election, is now showing signs of discontent as promises remain unfulfilled, and the economic strain of taxation weighs heavily on residents.
Adding to the region’s unrest is the controversial impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The move has fueled dissatisfaction, sparking protests and disruptions at public events, including funerals and national celebrations.
At the burial of Bahati MP Irene Njoki’s brother, tensions ran high as locals shut down leaders attempting to promote the Kenya Kwanza agenda. Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika was forced to rush through delivering the president’s condolence message under visible pressure from mourners.
Similarly, during Mashujaa Day celebrations, Juja residents openly rejected President Ruto’s message, heckling a deputy county commissioner delivering his speech. In Nyeri Town, MP Duncan Mathenge faced backlash from matatu operators who branded him a traitor for supporting Gachagua’s impeachment.
Mathira residents took their dissent a step further, launching a signature collection drive to recall their MP for failing to defend the deputy president. Although legal challenges have slowed the effort, the sentiment underscores growing frustrations with UDA leadership.
Even church functions have not been spared. During the installation of ACK Bishop Peter Kimani Ndung’u in Embu, Ruto encountered resistance when promoting his new health scheme, while Gachagua received a notably warmer reception.
The unrest was most evident on Jamhuri Day when Nyandarua residents walked out as the county commissioner began reading the president’s speech, forcing him to cut it short.
As political unrest deepens, all signs suggest mounting challenges for Ruto and UDA in the Mount Kenya region. The president’s recent visit to retired president Uhuru Kenyatta’s home in Ichaweri has fueled speculation about possible efforts to reclaim the region’s waning support. Whether Uhuru can help Ruto mend fences remains to be seen. For now, Mount Kenya’s political ground remains volatile.
