Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba has revealed that President William Ruto’s strained relationship with the Mt Kenya region extends far beyond the controversial impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Speaking on a local media station on March 24, 2025, Wamuchomba offered insights into the complex political dynamics of the region, suggesting that while Gachagua’s removal exacerbated tensions, the underlying issues have been festering for some time.
“The people of Mt. Kenya are not happy with the President, and he is aware,” she stated. “Even if Rigathi was still the Deputy President, he would be in the black book like Ruto is.
Frustration with Ruto’s leadership
Wamuchomba pointed to economic hardships and unfulfilled promises as the primary sources of Mt Kenya’s dissatisfaction with Ruto’s leadership.
“The mountain people are very upset with the regime because they are the business community, they are the farmers, and they still feel that this regime has been suppressive,” she said.
She criticized the government’s taxation policies, the implementation of proposed initiatives, and the failure to deliver on promises made during the 2022 elections.
“The taxation, the implementation of government proposals, the style of implementation, and the keeping of promises—knowing that the mountain gave 47 per cent of the votes versus the deliverables they are receiving—there are some issues,” Wamuchomba noted.
Gachagua’s impeachment
Wamuchomba, who publicly opposed Gachagua’s impeachment, clarified that her stance was based on regional solidarity rather than personal allegiance.
“People only changed about Gachagua after his impeachment—they never really loved him,” she asserted.
“I had to stand with Gachagua because he is the son of the mountain, and I had to defend him—that is my principle. But that does not mean he was an efficient leader or a good person to us. He had issues, and I personally had a lot of issues with him,” she explained.
However, she acknowledged that Gachagua’s time outside government has changed his perspective, suggesting that if reinstated, he would adopt a different approach.
“If Rigathi Gachagua were returned as Deputy President today, he would behave differently. He would talk differently because he has learned a lot of lessons,” she observed.
Calls for Ruto to address Mt Kenya’s concerns
Wamuchomba’s remarks echo growing calls from Mt. Kenya leaders urging Ruto to reassess his relationship with the region.
Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu on March 24, 2025, warned that the president must come prepared with tangible benefits if he hopes to regain the trust of the region’s voters.
“The president will have to visit Central Kenya, but he has to be equipped with serious information and goodies to convince the people. And we are not talking about the future—we are talking about the past. They voted for him, and for the next five years, irrespective of where they will vote in 2027, they need to be rewarded for their votes,” he emphasized.
He highlighted grievances such as Gachagua’s impeachment, the removal of Mt. Kenya leaders from key government positions, and the slow implementation of development projects.
“The first reward to them was to get their son, who was the Deputy President, kicked out of government,” he said.
Meanwhile, Gatanga MP Edward Muriu cautioned Ruto to be mindful of his messaging during his upcoming visit.
“Your Excellency William Ruto Welcome to the mountain. My advice: when you come, do not mention any leader in particular, Rigathi Gachagua. The pain of betrayal is still very raw and deep. Do not mention your deal with Raila and how happy you are with it,” Muriu’s letter reads in part.
