During President William Ruto’s recent visit to Embu, a surprising and telling event unfolded, as residents seemed to send a powerful message. The crowd in attendance appeared to blatantly ignore Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, even as President Ruto praised him.
In a video that quickly circulated online, the President called Kindiki a learned and competent professor, but the crowd responded by waving him off, showing no interest in his words. This moment highlighted growing political tensions and frustrations within the region, which could have deeper implications for the current administration.
This cold reception towards Kindiki comes on the heels of a significant political shift in Mt Kenya. Kindiki had recently replaced former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who was impeached after a fallout with President Ruto.
Since Gachagua’s ousting, he has regained considerable support within the region. Many in Mt Kenya still view Gachagua as the true leader of the people, with some even believing he remains the region’s favorite over Kindiki.
The lack of warmth towards Kindiki in Embu is seen as a reflection of these political sentiments, as Gachagua’s absence continues to leave a void that the new Interior CS has struggled to fill.
The situation in Embu is just one sign of a growing political storm in Mt Kenya. The day before, in Tharaka Nithi, a similar scene unfolded when President Ruto was left watching helplessly as the crowd walked out while National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah attempted to speak.
Cameras tried to hide the mass exit, but the footage was undeniable. The crowd’s exit during Ichung’wah’s speech further emphasized the discontent brewing in the region. Ichung’wah had also faced heckling in Ol Kalou, where his attempt to address the crowd was met with loud rejection.
Despite his efforts to continue, he was forced to cut his speech short, showing just how deep the opposition to Ruto’s allies runs.
The hostile reception towards key figures in Ruto’s government signals a shifting political climate in Mt Kenya. These repeated rejections highlight a growing frustration with the administration, and some believe the President is losing touch with the people and their concerns.
As the region’s political mood becomes increasingly hostile towards Ruto’s allies, questions about the President’s standing within Mt Kenya are growing louder. Behind the scenes, tensions among local political figures were also evident.
Embu MCAs had even threatened to disrupt the President’s visit in retaliation against Governor Cecily Mbarire, whom they accused of excluding them from the planning of the visit.
Only a last-minute intervention by outgoing MP Geoffrey Ruku prevented a potential disruption. These behind-the-scenes tensions further underscore the growing dissatisfaction with the current leadership and the political dynamics at play in Mt Kenya.
Political analysts suggest that the events in Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and other parts of Mt Kenya reflect a deeper frustration with the direction the country is heading. The President’s loss of support in the region, once considered a stronghold, signals that his grip on power may be weakening.
It remains to be seen how the administration will address the concerns of the people and whether the growing discontent will have a long-lasting impact on Ruto’s leadership.
