Murang’a County is preparing to host President William Ruto as part of his upcoming tour of the Mt Kenya region, scheduled to begin on April 1. Local leaders, including Mathioya MP Edwin Mugo, nominated MP Sabina Chege, senator Veronica Maina, and woman representative Betty Maina, have expressed optimism over the visit, emphasizing the region’s readiness to receive the Head of State. The tour, Ruto’s first to Mt Kenya since his political fallout with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, comes amid renewed focus on regional development and unity.
The anticipated visit follows years of tension between the President and Mt Kenya residents, many of whom felt sidelined by economic challenges and political decisions after the 2022 elections. The controversies surrounding the Finance Bill 2023 and the impeachment of Gachagua further strained relations, with some locals viewing the developments as a betrayal. Nevertheless, leaders have called for a shift away from politics toward development initiatives, noting that calm and cooperative political climates are essential for economic growth. Chege highlighted the President’s intervention in the case of Margaret Nduta, who faced execution in Vietnam, as a sign of leadership responsiveness appreciated by the community.
During a preparatory inspection in Mathioya, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki assured residents that ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Mau Mau roads and the Gikoe market, would be completed promptly. Projects such as the Sh342 million Kangari market and Sh100 million Muthithi market aim to boost trade and agriculture in the county, providing modern facilities for farmers and traders. Kindiki emphasized that the government’s priority is service delivery rather than politics, promising that upcoming developments in electricity, irrigation, and market construction would enhance livelihoods. Leaders urged residents to embrace unity as they anticipate the President’s commissioning of key projects next week.