Ruto To Use Joint Media Interview To Lie To Mt Kenya Residents: Gachagua

In what appeared to be a strategic political move, Gachagua visited Wangige in Kiambu County on Monday, March 31, for a brief interaction with the public. He posed, “I hear he has called Inooro and Kameme so that he can lie to you. Will you listen to him?"

Former Deputy President Rigath Gachagua during a church service at the Redeemed Church in Naivasha Town, Nakuru County on March 29, 2025. /RIGATHI GACHAGUA

Similarly, Gachagua issued a stern warning to the Head of State regarding launching projects that allegedly belonged to the Jubilee government under former President Uhuru Kenyatta and did not belong to the Kenya Kwanza government.

“Did you hear the President is coming here? He is coming to spread lies. We want to tell William Ruto, you are coming to Mt Kenya. Be a person who speaks the truth. All those projects that are there were started by Uhuru Kenyatta. There is no project of yours," he barked.

"Therefore, when you come here, tell us which projects you have done. You refused to complete those for Uhuru Kenyatta, but don’t come to lie to the people of Mt Kenya."

Gachagua has seemingly been sensitizing Mt Kenya residents ahead of Ruto's planned tour. On March 29, he warned Mt. Kenya residents against trusting Ruto’s promises during his upcoming visit, further claiming that senior government officials had devised a plan to bribe locals into cheering for the President.

“Even now, he is preparing to visit this region with sacks of money. He is coming to lie, but I want to tell you to prepare and receive the money, but do not take it home,” he stated.

Gachagua urged residents to demand higher payments, arguing that the President’s visit was merely a waste of their time with empty promises.

This will be Ruto’s first extensive tour of the Mount Kenya region since August 2024, when Gachagua was still his Deputy. His visit, set to begin on April 1, will focus on launching various projects across multiple counties, including Laikipia, Nyeri, Meru, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Murang’a, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, and Kiambu. 

During the tour, the President is expected to inspect and commission several initiatives, such as road construction, market development, electricity expansion, and affordable housing projects. Notably, Ruto will also assess the progress of the County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIPS) projects in Kiambu and Laikipia counties.

Breakdown Of Mt Kenya Tour (April 1-5, 2025)

1. Laikipia: Inspect CAIP (Laikipia West), launch affordable housing (Laikipia East), visit fresh produce market (Laikipia East).  
2. Nyeri: Issue title deeds (Kieni), inspect electricity project (Kieni), visit fresh produce markets (Kieni, Othaya), launch affordable housing (Nyeri Town).  
3. Meru: Issue title deeds (Tigania West), inspect water projects (Igembe South), visit livestock feedlots (Tigania West, South Imenti), inspect fresh produce markets (Igembe South, Tigania East).  
4. Kirinyaga: Inspect Special Economic Zone (SEZ) (Sagana), visit fresh produce market (Kirinyaga Central).  
5. Nyandarua: Inspect JM Memorial Hospital (Ol Kalou), launch affordable housing (Ol Kalou, Kinangop), visit fresh produce market (Kinangop).  
6. Murang'a: Inspect SEZ (Maragua), launch affordable housing (Kandara, Maragua), inspect water projects (Maragua), visit KMTC (Kangema).  
7. Embu: Inspect the Kiambere Bulk Water Project (Mbeere South), water projects (Mbeere North), and visit fresh produce markets (Runyenjes, Manyatta).  
8. Tharaka-Nithi: Commission police housing (Chuka Igambang'ombe), inspect fresh produce markets (Chuka Igambang'ombe, Tharaka), launch affordable housing (Chuka Igambang'ombe).  
9. Kiambu: Inspect CAIP (Githunguri), visit Mau Mau Road (Lari), inspect fresh produce market (Githunguri).  

The tour is set to focus on infrastructure, housing, water, energy, and economic growth.