President William Ruto’s Mt Kenya tour continues to be marked by rising hostility, particularly in areas where opposition sentiments are strong.
On Friday evening, videos circulating on social media painted a picture of growing tension in Githunguri, where locals, led by their vocal area MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, prepared for the President’s visit on Saturday.
The clips showed crowds of residents, chanting slogans like “Ruto Must Go,” as they marched in the streets of the town which has been at the heart of political dissent in Kiambu County.
Some social media posts even suggested that the residents were preparing to “teach a lesson” to those attending the event. This outpouring of dissent reflects the broader political climate in Mt Kenya region where tensions have escalated between President William Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Ruto's recent comments during his night interview further expose the growing animosity between the two leaders.
The President recounted how Gachagua demanded Ksh10 billion to resolve political issues in the region, threatening Ruto with a one-term presidency if the money was not provided.
In response to Ruto's remarks, Gachagua fired back, accusing the President of being a "pathological liar" and misleading the public.
He expressed his disbelief over the accusations, claiming that Ruto’s constant dishonesty posed a serious threat to the country.
Gachagua’s remarks have only deepened the political divide between the two, reflecting the growing tensions in Mt. Kenya, where their fallout continues to fuel discontent among local political figures and the electorate.
Earlier on Thursday, President Ruto's team met with a hostile reception in Nyandarua County, where National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and other leaders were heckled by an angry crowd.
As the group arrived in Nyandarua, tension quickly escalated. Kimani Ichung’wah, the National Assembly Majority Leader, tried to speak to the crowd but was drowned out by chants and insults.
Locals accused him of betraying their interests and allegiance to Ruto, with some expressing frustration over unfulfilled promises from the government.
The situation grew tense as residents, many visibly upset, began dancing to music with lyrics aimed at denouncing Ichung’wah.
In stark contrast, other leaders were received with greater tolerance.
Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha, Woman Representative Faith Gitau, and Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho were allowed to address the crowd without interruption.
President Ruto, in a brief speech, acknowledged the unrest but refrained from commenting on the heckling.
His focus remained on pointing out the various development projects slated for the area, including the completion of stalled infrastructure and health projects.
Despite the disruption, Ruto’s administration committed to overseeing the completion of key projects, including the Mashujaa Hospital Complex, which had faced years of delay.
The visible discontent among the crowd underscored the growing disillusionment in Nyandarua and other parts of the Mt Kenya region, where Ruto’s government continues to face mounting resistance and vocal opposition.