Mt Kenya political war escalates as Ruto rebukes Manyatta MP Mukunji

President William Ruto has launched his strongest public attack yet on Gitonga Mukunji, declaring that the first-term legislator cannot teach him politics, as an escalating battle for political supremacy in the Mt Kenya region gathers pace ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during a church service at the Full Gospel Church Gatunduri, Manyatta constituency in Embu county yesterday, Sunday, July 5, 2026,  the president dismissed criticism from allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing them of engaging in divisive politics instead of presenting solutions to the country’s challenges.

“I have heard some people say they want to teach me politics,” Ruto said.

“What can a one-term Member of Parliament teach someone who has spent decades in public service? I have been in politics for a long time, and I do not rely on anyone to seek votes for me. I earn the support of Kenyans through my record of development.”

Although he did not mention Mukunji by name, the remarks were widely interpreted as a direct response to the Manyatta MP, who was elected on a UDA ticket but has since emerged as one of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s fiercest critics and a close political ally of Gachagua.

The president brushed off attacks from his critics as political “noise”, insisting that Kenyans would ultimately judge leaders based on their development record.

“We are used to the noise. Kenyans know the truth, and they know who is working for them,” he said.

Without directly referring to Gachagua, Ruto also condemned leaders he accused of promoting tribal and regional divisions.

“I will never accept politics of division that seeks to separate Kenyans on the basis of tribe or political affiliation. Tribal politics only divides us, weakens us and slows our country’s progress,” he said.

Ironically, despite calling for an end to tribal politics, the Broad Based-Government proponents allied to President Ruto drawn from his UDA and ODM brigade have been spewing ethnic profiling statements and promoting politics of isolation and divisions targeting a certain community perceived to be the force behind the opposition push and critical of President Ruto’s administration in public forums.

“When you hear someone reducing people to their tribe, that is misguided leadership. Dividing Kenyans will never move this country forward.”

The president said his administration remained focused on implementing development programmes, citing investments in roads, education and other public services.

“We have built roads, employed more teachers and invested in projects that are improving the lives of ordinary Kenyans,” he said.

He also defended the establishment of the National Infrastructure Fund, saying it would provide sustainable financing for roads and other major projects across the country.

Urging Kenyans to evaluate leaders based on their performance rather than political slogans, Ruto said those seeking elective office should be judged on their record and vision.

“Every leader seeking public office should be judged by what they have done, what they are doing and what they plan to do for the people. Unfortunately, many of those making the loudest political statements have no clear plan for Kenya,” he said.

The Head of State also sought to reassure the country over rising political temperatures ahead of the next election.

“Nothing bad will happen in Kenya. There will be peace, and together we will continue transforming this country before our eyes. We have a clear plan to move Kenya towards becoming a first-world economy, and we remain focused on delivering that vision.”

“Those who want to keep making noise are free to do so. We will remain focused on serving the people.”

Mbarire, Ruku rally behind Ruto

The President’s remarks came as Cecily Mbarire and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku mounted a spirited defence of their alliance with Ruto, declaring that Mt Kenya East would remain firmly behind the President’s re-election bid in 2027.

Speaking at the same church service, Mbarire dismissed Gachagua’s calls for Mt Kenya voters to reject Ruto, arguing that residents would instead judge the administration by tangible development projects.

She said Embu had experienced unprecedented infrastructure development under Ruto, particularly in roads, markets and healthcare.

Drawing comparisons with previous administrations, the governor argued that Embu had received limited road investments during the presidencies of Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta.

“For many years, we supported other leaders without seeing tangible benefits for our people. Once they got into power, they often forgot about us, focusing development on their own regions while our roads and other critical infrastructure were neglected,” Mbarire said.

“Now it is time for us to stand up for ourselves and support a leader who listens to us and responds to our needs. That leader is President William Ruto because insults and political rhetoric will not improve the lives of our people.”

According to the governor, the national government has completed or is implementing more than 300 kilometres of roads across Embu County, linking previously underserved areas in Mbeere North, Mbeere South, Runyenjes and Manyatta.

She also cited the construction of modern markets, affordable housing projects and major healthcare investments, including a Sh1 billion upgrade of Embu Level Five Hospital and a Sh450 million maternal and child health facility.

“I will stay with President William Ruto because I have seen what his government is doing for Embu. I know he will win a second term, and I will continue pushing for even more development for our county,” she said.

Mbarire pledged to lobby for an additional 2,000 kilometres of roads if Ruto secures a second term and praised Ruku’s appointment to Cabinet, saying Embu now has a visible representative in government.

Ruku, in turn, dismissed Gachagua’s criticism of the President, insisting Mt Kenya East leaders would not abandon the Kenya Kwanza administration.

“We will not abandon President Ruto’s administration because we have seen what he has done for us and for our region,” he said.

He cited the appointment of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as evidence that the President values the Mt Kenya region and pledged to mobilise support for Ruto’s re-election.

“We will do everything within our means to ensure our President is re-elected for a second term,” Ruku said.

PS Wachira rejects regional split

Ruku’s remarks have, however, sparked criticism from senior government officials opposed to proposals to divide Mt Kenya into eastern and western political blocs.

Public Service Principal Secretary Amos Gathecha Wachira cautioned against divisive rhetoric, saying the region had historically benefited from unity.

Referring to the Kibaki administration, Wachira noted that leaders from Meru and Embu held several senior government positions.

“Mheshimiwa Ruku, I listened to you keenly yesterday. I want to remind you that Mwai Kibaki was in power since you mentioned him, and he hails from here in Nyeri. The person he appointed as Head of Public Service, Francis Muthaura, was from Meru,” he said.

He added that former Finance Minister Daudi Mwiraria, former Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi and former Cooperatives Minister Njeru Ndwiga were all appointed from the wider Mt Kenya region.

“Therefore, speaking in public and calling for the region to be split twice; that one we reject, reject and reject in broad daylight,” Wachira said.

Wamatangi dismisses calls to split Kiambu

Meanwhile, Kimani Wamatangi rejected proposals to separate Kiambu from the broader Mt Kenya region or divide the county into two political blocs.

Addressing boda boda operators in Thika, Wamatangi described the proposals as politically motivated and advanced by leaders with poor development records.

“The narrative is being propagated by failed leaders who have nothing to show for the four years they have been in office,” he said.

He challenged proponents of the proposal to account for projects they had delivered.

“Come and show the roads that you have constructed. Come and show us the classrooms that you have built in the county.”

The governor maintained that development benefits all residents regardless of where projects are located.

“There is no classroom written ‘Kiambu East’ or ‘Kiambu West’. They are written ‘Kiambu’,” he said.

Wamatangi also questioned the constitutional basis of creating a “Kiambu region.”

“The Constitution recognises a county and a constituency only. What is a region? There is no money that will be allocated to a region,” he said.

He argued that attempts to divide Kiambu were intended to weaken the county politically and defended his long-standing campaign for the “one man, one vote, one shilling” revenue-sharing formula.

Njiru faults Ruku’s proposal

Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru also criticised Ruku’s proposal to split Mt Kenya into eastern and western blocs, describing it as reckless and divisive.

Speaking during a radio interview, Njiru questioned how a Cabinet Secretary serving under a President who champions national unity and inclusivity could promote a narrative that risks fragmenting the region.

“President William Ruto has been speaking of inclusivity, and he entered into a partnership with ODM aiming at a national agenda. How come the CS who serves under him is engaging in tribal talks?” he posed.

Njiru accused the broad-based government of applying double standards by condemning Gachagua whenever he speaks about Mt Kenya while remaining silent when other senior officials make similar regional statements.

He argued that Mt Kenya has remained united since the struggle against colonial rule and insisted the proposal lacks political support.

According to the advocate, the region remains united behind the “Wantam” political movement.

The exchanges underscore the growing political contest for influence in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region, which overwhelmingly backed Ruto in the 2022 elections but has witnessed increasing political realignments following Gachagua’s impeachment in 2024 and the appointment of Kindiki as Deputy President.

The region is now emerging as one of the key battlegrounds ahead of the 2027 General Election.