The region, predominantly inhabited by the Kikuyu community, overwhelmingly supported Ruto and his then-running mate Rigathi Gachagua during the 2022 elections.
That election was unique in Kenya's history because it was the first time since independence that Mount Kenya did not strongly back one of its own for the presidency.
The region has produced three of Kenya's five presidents—Jomo Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki, and Uhuru Kenyatta.
In a post on X, the Jubilee legislator stated that the region deserves a bold and capable leader to represent its interests at the highest level. He urged Mount Kenya residents to unite behind a common vision and leadership.
His remarks come amid growing speculation of a strained relationship between President Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, a development that some believe could destabilize the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Several allies of Gachagua, including James Gakuya and Mutahi Kahiga, have accused senior Kenya Kwanza figures of sponsoring politicians in the Mount Kenya region to undermine the former deputy president.
On the other hand, President Ruto's supporters, among them Silvanus Osoro, have accused Gachagua's allies of attempting to pressure and intimidate the President.
Meanwhile, political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi and lawyer Makau Mutua have advised Gachagua against openly confronting Ruto, warning that the President is a skilled and experienced political strategist.
Ngunyi urged Gachagua to avoid rushing into a political battle with Ruto over issues he considers minor, cautioning that former President Uhuru Kenyatta may not necessarily have his best interests at heart.
He noted that while his political assessments are not always correct, he believes Gachagua should proceed with caution.
Tags
Politics