President Ruto was met with costly smiles and cheers in Mt Kenya

President William Ruto accompanied by other leaders including deputy president Kithure Kindiki at Ol Kalou town in Nyandarua county to inspect the ongoing construction of JM Kariuki hospital on April 03, 2025 during his Mt Kenya Region Tour. [Kipsang Joseph,Standard]

Every cheer or jeer at a political rally comes with a price, particularly when anticipated hostility must be managed and public perception of loyalty—whether real or imagined—must be carefully managed.

When President William Ruto set out for his much-anticipated visit to Mt Kenya last Tuesday, it had been nearly half a year since he last visited the region. Expectations were high, with many speculating that the President would be met with hostility.

Five days into his tour, the jury is out. He received cheers from unlikely quarters but tears for some of his close allies who were booed out of stage by irate crowds.