President William Ruto on Saturday sharply criticized a group of political leaders he described as political cartels attempting to control Central Kenya political direction ahead of the 2027 general election, declaring he would not be beholden to regional power brokers.
Speaking during the second day of his development tour in Murang’a County, the president dismissed claims by certain leaders that they command voting blocs in the vote rich Mt Kenya region, saying his administration answers only to the Kenyan electorate.
“There are some people who pretend that they have the votes of the people of Mt Kenya in their pocket, and want me to kneel before them,” Ruto said at a rally in Ciumbu town, Maragua Constituency. “I will only humble myself before wananchi and kneel before God, not another human being.”
Ruto said his leadership mandate comes directly from voters who elected him in 2022 and not from political intermediaries. He accused unnamed leaders of attempting to undermine constitutional freedoms by dictating political choices to citizens.
“They want to dictate what songs to listen to, where we will go, and who you will vote for. Ignore them with the contempt they deserve,” he said.
Development agenda takes center stage
The president used the Murang’a tour to highlight ongoing and planned development projects in the region, emphasizing economic transformation as a key pillar of his administration.
Accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Ruto inspected construction works at Ciumbu and Saba Saba modern markets.
He also laid the foundation stone for the Kabati Market in Kandara Constituency, a KSh366 million project expected to accommodate more than 1,000 traders.
In Kigumo Constituency, the president officially opened the KSh343 million Kangari Modern Market and launched a borehole project aimed at improving water access. He further distributed milk coolers to dairy cooperatives as part of efforts to strengthen agricultural value chains.
Infrastructure upgrades were also highlighted, with rehabilitation works flagged off on key road networks including Kangari Gichagini Gacharage and Kimemu Gathaini Gathanji Kirwara routes.
Ruto said the government has committed significant resources to Murang’a County, including KSh27 billion for affordable housing, markets and student hostels.
He added that KSh6 billion has been allocated for road infrastructure in the 2025/2026 financial year, alongside KSh1.6 billion to connect approximately 14,000 households to electricity.
The president pointed to gains in the agricultural sector, particularly in coffee farming, saying cherry prices have risen from KSh50 per kilogram in 2022 to between KSh110 and KSh160.
Ruto also cited expanded international market access, noting a trade arrangement with China that allows Kenyan exports including tea, coffee, macadamia, avocado and milk to access a market of 1.5 billion consumers duty free and quota free.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki defended the administration performance, saying its development track record would resonate with voters ahead of the next election cycle.
“You are building markets, roads, hospitals and many projects across the country, and Kenyans will reward you,” Kindiki said.
The tour was attended by several lawmakers including MPs, senators and former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, underscoring the political significance of the visit.
