UDA MP struggles to justify need for Ruto’s Mt Kenya visit for development to happen
As Ruto embarks on his tour, all eyes will be on how the region receives him and whether his visit will mend the growing political cracks within his support base.
On Tuesday, Laikipia Woman Representative Jane Kagiri was hard-pressed to explain why President William Ruto’s visit to the Mt Kenya region was necessary for development projects to be completed.
In a heated interview with NTV journalist Eric Latiff and his co-hosts, Kagiri struggled to justify the need for the President’s physical presence for projects such as roads, electric fences and markets to get development priority.
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“Do you need the President to be on the ground for these things to happen?” Latiff posed.
Kagiri, a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) legislator, defended the visit, arguing that having the President witness the challenges first-hand ensures prioritisation in resource allocation.
“There are times I have had to invite the chair of Budget to my county to visualise the difficulties my people go through. When the President comes to Laikipia and sees a farmer who lost all his crops to elephants, it becomes a priority for an electric fence to be constructed,” she said.
Latiff, however, countered her argument, saying MPs are elected to represent their constituents and lobby for resources without needing presidential intervention.
“You plus how many MPs are there in Laikipia?” he asked.
“Three, plus myself,” Kagiri responded.
“So, four of you are in Parliament, representing the county. Your job is to lobby fellow MPs to allocate budgetary resources to these areas, right? And then that goes to the executive for implementation. Now you’re saying it should start with the head of the executive visiting a farmer to make it a priority project? That means you failed as an MP,” Latiff pressed.
“No, Eric, you’ve turned my words around. I first mentioned the market before the fence. Markets are a different fight altogether. But let’s focus on the other issues. As much as it’s a different fight, I sit in the Housing Committee, and that’s how Laikipia now has all the markets it needs. I didn’t need the President for that,” Kagiri explained.
She continued, “Some needs only become priorities when leaders visualise them. If you, Eric, were explained to, you might think we’re erecting an electric fence for tourism purposes. But when you visit the ground, you understand the actual needs.”
She also cited road projects, saying, “I want the President to come to Laikipia, see my people’s challenges, and understand that if the Kirumuruti road was built, it would connect Laikipia West, Laikipia East and Laikipia North. That would open up our economy.”
Five-day tour
The President’s visit to Mt Kenya starting today comes months after his August 2024 tour, during which he was accompanied by his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua. The five-day tour will cover Laikipia, Nyeri, Meru, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Murang’a, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi and Kiambu counties.
During the visit, Ruto is expected to commission completed projects, inspect ongoing ones, and launch new initiatives, including roads, affordable housing, fresh produce markets, electricity connectivity, and water and irrigation projects.
In Kiambu and Laikipia counties, the President will inspect the construction of the county aggregation and industrial parks (CAIPS). He will also issue title deeds in Nyeri and Meru counties and assess ongoing water and sanitation projects in Murang’a, Embu and Meru. Additionally, he will visit livestock feedlots, JM Memorial Hospital in Ol Kalou and the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) in Murang’a.
Ruto’s visit comes at a time when his support in Mt Kenya is facing significant challenges, especially following the impeachment of Gachagua. Some leaders from the region have distanced themselves from the government, raising concerns about the reception he will receive.
However, Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi has been vocal in defending the government, urging residents to remain aligned with Ruto’s administration.
“In four days, I have done 24 small but effective meetings in all corners of my constituency. We are finding common ground, which is ‘kazi kwanza’ (work first),” Wamumbi said.
He noted that even Wamunyoro village, now associated with Gachagua’s political base, was ready to welcome Ruto.
Other leaders, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, have been on the ground inspecting government projects.
Kindiki recently visited Murang’a to oversee the construction of the Gikoe Modern Market in Mathioya Constituency.
Murang’a Woman Representative, Betty Maina, highlighted the significance of the 400 markets being built nationwide, saying they will boost local trade and economic well-being.
Meanwhile, National Assembly Leader of Majority Kimani Ichung’wah and Nominated MP Sabina Chege have been inspecting the Maragua Ridge Phase 1 Irrigation Scheme. Chege, who defected from the opposition after Ruto’s 2022 win, warned Mt Kenya residents against abandoning the government, saying it would lead to lost development opportunities.
“I am worried about the people of Mt Kenya. Do you want to go to the opposition and miss out on the benefits of being in government?” Chege posed.
As Ruto embarks on his tour, all eyes will be on how the region receives him and whether his visit will mend the growing political cracks within his support base.
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