Uhuru urges leaders to listen to Kenyans' cries as Ruto prepares for crucial Mt Kenya visit

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged leaders to heed the cries of Kenyans, emphasising the need for leadership that listens to the people's concerns.

Speaking at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Meru town, where he attended a thanksgiving service for the new Meru Diocese Bishop Jackson Murugara, Uhuru called on the church to take a moral stand in guiding the country.

“It is important that as you pray for our leaders, pray that they will open their ears and hearts to listen to the cry of Kenyans,” he said on Sunday.

His remarks come amid mounting political tensions in the Mt. Kenya region, particularly following the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

President William Ruto is expected to tour the region this coming week, his first visit since the fallout with Gachagua.

Uhuru, who has kept a low profile since January, was accompanied by former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya, ex-DCI boss George Kinoti, and former Meru Woman Representative Florence Kajuju.

His presence in Meru coincides with growing divisions in Mt. Kenya politics, as Gachagua’s allies accuse Ruto of betrayal while government loyalists attempt to mend relations with voters ahead of the 2027 elections.

The service at St. Joseph’s was marked by strict church protocols barring politicians from addressing the congregation, a policy that has been reinforced in several churches.

In Nyeri, Anglican Church Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit reiterated that no political leader, including the President, would be allowed to speak inside the church.

“We have with us the former DP Rigathi Gachagua, but I want to tell him I didn’t prevent you from speaking inside the church because I hate you. There is nothing personal, we have to strictly follow the church protocol. Even if the President was here, I would equally not have allowed him to speak,” he said.

Gachagua, who attended the Nyeri service alongside several lawmakers, has been vocal against President Ruto, vowing to make him a one-term leader.

The former deputy president’s supporters view his impeachment as an act of betrayal by the Kenya Kwanza administration.

As political tensions flare, divisions among leaders are becoming more pronounced.

Some MPs who supported Gachagua’s removal are now attempting to rebuild their political standing by aligning themselves with government projects.

At a public event on Saturday, in Laikipia County, MP Mwangi Kiunjuri urged residents to welcome President Ruto warmly, crediting him for ongoing infrastructure projects.

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“For the first time after many promises, the Nanyuki-Matanya-Ngoro Theru Road is now being tarmacked. The only President who has brought development in terms of water provision and road upgrade to Tigithi Ward is President Ruto, and that is why we should warmly welcome him here,” he said.

Rising hostility in Mt. Kenya

Despite efforts by some leaders to defend the government, hostility towards Ruto in parts of Mt. Kenya remains evident.

His administration has faced widespread discontent over the high cost of living, increased taxes, and controversial government appointments.

During a recent event, rowdy youths chanting pro-Ruto slogans pelted stones at dignitaries as they left a church service.

Gachagua’s convoy was forced to remain inside the church compound until police dispersed the crowd.

The mounting political tensions have forced leaders to find new ways to engage with the public.

Some government-aligned MPs have resorted to using bursary issuance events to promote Kenya Kwanza’s agenda, hoping to sway voters ahead of the next elections.

As Ruto prepares for his visit to Mt. Kenya, his allies have been working to shore up support, while his critics continue to challenge his leadership.

The visit is expected to be a key test of his standing in the region, which was instrumental in his 2022 election victory but has since grown increasingly divided.