Political Debt and Growing Discontent

NAIROBI – In a move highlighting significant fractures within Kenya's ruling coalition, former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi on Monday, November 17, 2025, issued a stark public reminder to President William Ruto about the Mount Kenya region's critical contribution to his 2022 election victory. Speaking during an opposition campaign rally, Linturi accused the President of betraying the trust of the region's leaders and voters. “We are the ones who pushed Ruto and made him popular. He did not command any influence in this region... but he has opted to pay us with disrespect,” Linturi stated, articulating a sentiment of political debt that many in the region feel has gone unserviced. His remarks, delivered in the context of a heated by-election campaign, suggest that the foundational alliance between the President and his primary vote bloc is under severe strain. This public expression of discontent is not an isolated incident but the culmination of months of growing frustration over unfulfilled pre-election pledges, controversial economic policies, and a perceived lack of consultation on key national issues.

The Gachagua Factor and Regional Unity

Linturi's comments echo a broader narrative championed by other influential leaders from the region, most notably former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Since his ouster, Gachagua has embarked on a campaign to consolidate the Mount Kenya political base, frequently warning against what he terms President Ruto's "divide and rule" tactics. In an October 2025 church service, Gachagua accused the President of hypocrisy, claiming Ruto's own efforts to unite his Rift Valley backyard are praised as national unity, while similar efforts in Mount Kenya are branded as tribalism. These leaders argue that the region, which delivered a substantial vote tally for President Ruto in 2022, feels increasingly sidelined in development and government appointments. Murang'a Senator Joe Nyutu summarized the feeling of betrayal in February 2025, stating, “We gave President Ruto 47 per cent of his authority. He took our power and gave it to those who opposed us in the 2022 General Election.”

'One Man, One Vote, One Shilling'

A central pillar of the region's grievances is the fierce debate over the revenue-sharing formula. Leaders like Gachagua have been vocal proponents of the "one man, one vote, one shilling" principle, which argues that national resources should be allocated based on population. Proponents contend that populous regions like Mount Kenya contribute more in taxes and therefore deserve a proportionally larger share of national revenue to address their needs. This position, however, has been met with strong opposition from leaders in less populous, predominantly arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL) counties, who argue it would worsen historical marginalization and violate the constitutional principle of equitable development. The debate has become a key political battleground, symbolizing the struggle for resources and influence between different regions and further straining the Kenya Kwanza coalition's internal cohesion.

The Presidency's Response

In response to the rising discontent, President Ruto's administration has consistently reaffirmed its commitment to the development of all regions, including Mount Kenya. Throughout 2025, the President has held numerous meetings with elected leaders from the region and conducted development tours to launch and inspect projects in infrastructure, agriculture, and housing. During a tour in April 2025, President Ruto highlighted a Ksh. 15 billion investment in roads for the region, sourced from a larger loan from China, as evidence of his commitment. He has often urged residents to disregard critics, maintaining that his long-standing relationship with the region remains strong and that his work will be vindicated in the 2027 elections. However, the persistent and increasingly public criticism from figures like Linturi and Gachagua indicates that these assurances have not been sufficient to quell the disquiet.

Implications for 2027

The escalating war of words signals a potential political realignment ahead of the 2027 general election. Linturi himself has stated he has "crossed the Rubicon" and is actively seeking opposition partners, alluding to a 2002-style coalition to challenge the current administration. The open rebellion from a region so crucial to the President's initial victory poses a significant threat to his political future and the stability of the ruling party. How the administration navigates these demands for "respect" and a tangible return on political investment will be a defining challenge of its term.