The deafening cheers that greeted President William Ruto in Kiambu this Sunday may have looked like a political homecoming, but for Jubilee Party Deputy Organising Secretary Pauline Njoroge, they were the sound of a region walking into a strategic trap.

While the Head of State was feted by a sea of supporters in Gatundu North, Njoroge issued a stinging rebuke to her own backyard, warning that their public display of affection for the President was not just "self-deception" but a tactical blunder that could seal the country's fate in the 2027 General Election.

The 'Man to Beat' Narrative

Njoroge’s concern is not merely about the crowds, but the signal they send to the rest of the nation. In a candid statement released Monday, she argued that President Ruto is masterfully using the region’s optics to engineer a perception of invincibility.

“If this man still has this level of command in Mt Kenya, then he is clearly the man to beat in 2027,” Njoroge noted, warning that this narrative forces undecided leaders from other regions to surrender early. “In that case, why should we align with anyone else?”

She cautioned that by offering such a "heroic welcome," Kiambu residents are effectively telling the rest of Kenya that the President’s base is intact, rendering any opposition futile. According to Njoroge, Ruto has combined "strategy, financial muscle, and you, lovers of elephant tusks" to manufacture the consent he needs to cruise back to State House.

Billions in Promises vs. Reality

The President’s tour was anchored on heavy economic promises designed to resonate with the entrepreneurial spirit of the region. During a church service at AIPCA Gatundu North, Ruto touted a massive infrastructure drive, claiming his administration has already pumped over KES 4.5 billion into constructing 30 modern markets in Kiambu alone.

Among the flagship projects highlighted was the KES 380 million Kamwangi Modern Market, slated for completion in March 2026. The President also teased a "National Infrastructure Fund" aimed at mobilizing a staggering KES 5 trillion to transition Kenya from third-world to first-world status.

However, critics argue that these figures often mask the biting reality on the ground. While markets are being built, the cost of doing business remains a chokehold for the ordinary Wanjiku. The juxtaposition of cheering crowds against the backdrop of high taxes and unfulfilled promises is what Njoroge termed a "lover of elephant tusks" mentality—being enamored by the visible trophy while ignoring the dead weight attached to it.

Kuria’s Cryptic 'Cry'

Njoroge was not the only voice of dissent, though others were more guarded. Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, known for his unpredictable political maneuvering, posted a cryptic message on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the visit: “Cry, my beloved Kiambu!”

Kuria’s lament suggests a deepening fracture within the region's leadership, even as the crowds suggest unity. It hints at a disconnect between the political elite, who see the long-term consequences of Ruto’s consolidation, and the voters, who are swayed by immediate development pledges.

As the dust settles on the presidential motorcade, the region finds itself at a crossroads. The cheers in Kiambu have undoubtedly strengthened Ruto’s hand, but as Njoroge warns, the bill for this political romance will come due in 2027. “He knows what you people like,” she warned. “And he will give it to you well.”