Ruto takes Mt Kenya political battle to Embu

President William Ruto during a service at the Full Gospel Church, Gatunduri, in Embu County. [PCS]

President William Ruto on Sunday intensified the political battle for the Mt Kenya region, using a church service in Embu County to rally support for his administration while accusing the opposition of promoting tribal politics ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during a service at the Full Gospel Church in Gatunduri, Manyatta Constituency, the President urged Kenyans to reject leaders who, he said, thrive on ethnic divisions instead of presenting solutions to the country's economic and social challenges.

"We must reject the politics of tribalism and empty rhetoric. Kenya belongs to all of us, and our focus must remain on development and transforming the lives of ordinary citizens," Ruto told the congregation.

President William Ruto during a service at the Full Gospel Church, Gatunduri, in Embu County. [PCS]

Although officially a church engagement, the President's visit carried weighty political significance.

Manyatta Constituency is represented by an MP widely regarded as one of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's key political allies in Embu County. By choosing the constituency for his visit, Ruto appeared keen to demonstrate that his administration remains capable of penetrating areas where Gachagua has been working to consolidate political support following his fallout with the president.

The visit comes at a time when political competition within the broader Mt Kenya region is becoming increasingly intense, with both Ruto and Gachagua seeking to shape the region's political direction before the next general election.

Throughout his address, President Ruto repeatedly contrasted what he described as his administration's development agenda and achievements with what he termed divisive politics.

He argued that his government was implementing projects across the country without regard to ethnicity or political affiliation, urging Kenyans to evaluate leaders based on performance rather than political slogans.

"We cannot build this country through hatred or tribal mobilisation. We shall continue serving every Kenyan regardless of where they come from," the president said.

The remarks reflect a message that has increasingly featured during his recent tours across the country as he attempts to reframe the national political conversation around economic transformation, infrastructure development and service delivery.

Political analysts, however, note that the repeated references to tribal politics also reflect the realities of Kenya's evolving political landscape, where regional alliances continue to play a significant role in electoral competition despite repeated calls for issue-based politics.

The President was accompanied by the Embu governor and UDA Chairperson Cecily Mbarire, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, and several elected leaders from the region.

Their presence underscored the administration's determination to strengthen its support base in Mt Kenya East, an area increasingly viewed as critical to Ruto's re-election strategy. CS Geoffrey Ruku once again urged leaders from Isiolo, Embu, Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties to unite behind President Ruto in 2027.

According to Ruku, the four counties should speak with one political voice to safeguard development gains made under the Kenya Kwanza administration.

His remarks echoed similar statements he has made in recent weeks advocating for closer political cooperation among the four counties.

While the proposal presents itself as a regional development partnership, it also carries significant electoral implications.

Collectively, Embu, Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Isiolo represent a sizeable voting bloc capable of influencing national politics.

However, Ruku's coalition notably excludes the populous Central Kenya counties of Kiambu, Murang'a, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua and Laikipia, areas where Gachagua continues to enjoy considerable political influence.

The emerging political dynamics suggest that the once-unified Mt Kenya voting bloc may be fragmenting into distinct regional interests. For decades, presidential candidates have viewed Mt Kenya as a largely cohesive electoral constituency.

Today, however, political calculations appear increasingly centred on sub-regional alliances, reflecting shifting loyalties following the breakdown of the political partnership between Ruto and Gachagua.

The President appears focused on consolidating support in Mt Kenya East while maintaining influence in parts of Central Kenya.

With more than a year before political parties are expected to settle on presidential candidates and coalition structures, both President Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have already begun laying the groundwork for what promises to be one of Kenya's most fiercely contested elections.

For the President, retaining substantial support in the broader Mt Kenya region remains essential to securing a second term.

For Gachagua, maintaining political influence across the mountain is equally critical if he is to shape the opposition's strategy or emerge as a decisive kingmaker.