Senior government officials have adopted a conciliatory approach in an effort to rebuild the Kenya Kwanza administration’s relationship with the Mount Kenya region as they seek to rally support for President William Ruto’s re-election in 2027.
Speaking during an Education Day at Mbiriri Comprehensive School in Kieni, Nyeri County, the officials acknowledged growing dissatisfaction with the administration and appealed to residents for dialogue, reconciliation and continued cooperation with the government.
The leaders, who are affiliated with the Mount Kenya Leaders Caucus, said political tensions following the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had strained relations between the region and the national government, making it difficult for government representatives to communicate development achievements.
The event brought together Cabinet Secretary for Education Julius Ogamba, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Principal Secretaries, chairpersons of state corporations, directors and chief executive officers from various government agencies.
Government Spokesperson Dr Isaac Mwaura urged residents not to abandon the Kenya Kwanza administration, saying continued support for President Ruto would safeguard the region’s influence in government and ensure sustained development.
“We are asking for dialogue because we have undertaken tangible development projects in the region. Where we have fallen short, we are ready to apologise and correct our mistakes so that we strengthen our partnership with the people and continue delivering development,” said Dr Mwaura.
He argued that withdrawing support for President Ruto’s re-election would weaken the region’s bargaining power and jeopardise opportunities secured through appointments to senior government positions.
Principal Secretary for Correctional Services Salome Muhia said Mount Kenya had benefited significantly from appointments to key government offices after strongly backing President Ruto during the 2022 General Election.
She said the region currently occupies numerous strategic positions in government, enabling leaders from the area to address local development priorities across sectors such as roads, healthcare, education and information technology.
Muhia urged residents to engage government leaders on issues of concern instead of distancing themselves from the administration.
“We have heard your concerns and we seek your forgiveness where we have gone against your expectations. Tell us what you want us to improve because we do not want the region to lose its place in government,” she said.
Principal Secretary for Energy Alex Wachira called on residents to appreciate the region’s representation in government and avoid isolating themselves politically.
Drawing comparisons with other regions that have embraced the Broad-Based Government arrangement, Wachira said political cooperation was necessary to safeguard both national unity and future leadership opportunities.
He reminded residents that previous presidents, including Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta, served two terms and urged the region to support President Ruto’s bid for a second term, arguing that such reciprocity would strengthen the region’s chances of producing a future president.
“Kenya is bigger than the Central region. We should appreciate what we have today and work with other communities because national leadership requires broad support,” he said.
Mount Kenya Leaders Caucus Chairman Harrison Wangoro said the region could not afford to place itself outside government despite being among the country’s largest contributors to national revenue.
He said leaders were ready to listen to residents’ concerns and relay them to the President to help address issues that had strained relations between the government and the electorate.
“We overwhelmingly supported this administration but today many people feel disconnected. As leaders, we are prepared to listen and ensure the concerns of the region reach the Head of State so that confidence can be restored,” said Wangoro.
by Wangari Mwangi
