Thousands of Nyeri and Laikipia residents lined up along the roads to welcome President William Ruto on Tuesday April 1, 2025 as he began his tour of the Mount Kenya region.

Most of the residents embraced the president’s visit, despite fears of rebellion from the region, after the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Some of the residents donned traditional Kikuyu regalia and civilian attire as they welcomed the president with song and dance.

During the tour in Kieni and Naromoru, President Ruto promised to return the favour to the residents of Mt. Kenya for enabling him to win the 2022 presidential elections.

“Kura yenu ndiyo tumetumia kuunda serikali hii… Maneno ya Nyeri katika serikali hii, mtu wa kuulizwa namba moja ni mimi, na nitahakikisha barabara zenu lazima zijengwe, stima iwekwe, maji itengenezwe, soko ijengwe,” said Ruto.

At the same time, deputy president Kithure Kindiki warned unnamed politicians for spreading divisive politics in the Central Kenya region.

“Kuna watu wengine kazi yao ni kuchochea wananchi kuanzia asubuhi mpaka mchana,” said Kindiki. 

“Wale walikuwa wanani-advice waachane na mimi, I’m not available. Mimi niko kazi,” he added.

At the same time, the Head of State accused Gachagua of encouraging tribalism in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region.

“Hii Kenya hakuna tena siasa itaendeshwa ya ubaguzi, ama chuki, ama ukabila, ama kutenga watu wengine,” he said.

Meanwhile, some of the staunch supporters of the former DP, including Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga and Kieni legislator Njoroge Wainaina promised to work with President Ruto. 

“Tuliona haukuji, tukashindwa kwani kulikuwaje? Hii serikali si ni yetu? Sasa tukae tuangalie wengine wakikula? 

“Na sababu saa zingine mimi husema kama mbaya mbaya, leo nataka niseme amefanya vizuri kutuletea maendeleo,” said Kahika.