President William Ruto is pulling massive crowds in the Mt. Kenya region despite doubts from a section of leaders from the region, led by former Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua.
Ruto is touring the region for the first time since the impeachment of Gachagua.
His last visit to the region was in August 2024.
Speaking ahead of his tour, Gachagua challenged President Ruto to list the projects he has completed in the Mount Kenya region during his tour.
He asked Ruto to launch new projects and stop riding on old projects initiated by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Gachagua argued that the tour was politically oriented and asked residents to demand payment from the mobilizers of the President’s visit.
“If you are going to listen to lies, ensure you get a good price for it. Do not accept little money to be deceived. President Ruto has brought money because we elected him for free,” he said.
These remarks raise questions about whether the President is indeed paying people to attend his rallies.
Speaking to The Kenya Times, political analysts have analyzed the crowds and weighed in on these allegations.
Political analyst Dr. Luchetu Likaka said the crowds attending Ruto’s rallies are not organic.
He explained that President Ruto is a good mobilizer, and his team must have spent a lot of time and resources doing the groundwork to ensure his tour is a success.
“The crowd are not organic. Seemingly, a paid crowd and boda boda for hire, not to embarrass the president. I don’t think they’re genuine,” Likaka said.
Claims Without Evidence
Lawyer and Governance Expert Javas Bigambo said there was proper coordination by Ruto’s team ahead of his tour.
He acknowledged claims that crowds were paid to attend rallies but stated there is no evidence to substantiate them.
“There has been a claim on the part of others that those crowds are treated. Yes. But there is no evidence so far emerging that those crowds have actually been treated,” he said.
Political Analyst Maimuma Mwidau said Ruto’s heroic welcome signifies that he has the goodwill of the people.
According to Mwidau, Ruto’s interview before he started the Mt. Kenya tour was strategic and gave him an opportunity to speak to the locals directly.
“One can easily say that the crowds were organic due to the fact there is no evidence as a matter of fact to claim otherwise,” Mwidau s
aid.
Also Read: Former Uhuru Aide Advises Ruto on How to Win Back Mt Kenya
Ruto Has Political Machinery in Mt. Kenya
Additionally, Bigambo said President Ruto initiated various political structures that helped rally behind UDA in 2022.
He explained that Ruto does not need Gachagua to woo the region and will rely on these structures.
“President Ruto has officially invited Gachagua to a political duel. Despite warnings to avoid Central, he went there and spoke boldly, just as he continues to do. This shows that President William Ruto does not fear anything Gachagua might do,” Ruto said.
Similarly, Mwidau said Ruto’s team in the Mountain are listening to the people and still have their support.
She said it is now upon President Ruto to play his cards well and retain the region in the 2027 elections.
“Ruto’s troops from the mountain have their ears on the ground and still hold a lot of support from the electors this their success in mobilizing the crowds.
“The ball is now squarely in the President’s court, it’s his call to play it well and score in 2027.”
Kindiki Should Take Charge
Besides, Bigambo stated that Ruto is now climbing the Mountain on his own and has plowed the ground DP Kithure Kindiki.
He advised Kindiki to take advantage of Ruto’s tour and start visiting and rallying the people behind UDA.
He argued that the DP should revisit the region immediately when the ground is still very warm.
“Now after this trip Kindiki should not come and stay in Nairobi. He should continue engaging in every gear and plowing the ground further. In fact, Kindiki should now organize his own homecoming,” he said.
Bigambo maintained that Ruto is already planning for the 2027 elections and is willing to mobilize even further to ensure he does not lose Mount Kenya.
Also Read: Kimani Ichung’wa Rejected in Mount Kenya in Front of Ruto
Crowds Don’t Turn to Votes
However, Likaka said political crowds do not automatically translate to votes.
Likaka emphasized that real support is determined in the ballots, while crowds can be a result of curiosity and mobilization.
He also stated that it is too early to comment on how Mt. Kenya will vote in the next elections.
“Political crowds are never a true measure of support; they are often a spectacle fueled by curiosity, mobilization, or momentary enthusiasm rather than a genuine endorsement of leadership or policy. True support is measured at the ballot, not in orchestrated rallies,” he said.
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