By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, January 09 2026 - President William Ruto is expected in Othaya Constituency, Nyeri County, on Sunday in a visit heavy with political symbolism, as he seeks to consolidate support in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region amid simmering local discontent over stalled development projects.
The Head of State will officiate the opening and dedication of the ACK Kariki Plaza in Chinga Ward, attend a worship service at ACK Kariki Church, and preside over a fundraiser aimed at reconstructing the church. Othaya is the home constituency of the late former President Mwai Kibaki, Kenya’s third Head of State.
Local leaders and residents say the visit presents an opportunity for the President to account for his development record and outline his plans for the area as the country edges closer to the 2027 General Election. Former National Intelligence Service (NSIS) director and Othaya resident Esau Kioni said no part of the country should be treated as politically restricted.
“No leader is barred from coming to Othaya for development programmes. The people here understand very well what they want from government and what leadership entails,” Kioni told Dawan Africa. Kioni, who is also served as a security advisor to the late Kibaki, added that Othaya voters would judge leaders on performance rather than rhetoric.
“They produced the third President of this country. Those seeking leadership positions in 2027 must tell us what they will do for development and how trustworthy they are in fulfilling their manifestos. Trust is earned through deeds,” Kioni said. “The people of Othaya will be in a better position to gauge him accordingly because we know there are many promises that have not been made,” he added.
However, a section of residents expressed frustration, accusing the national government of neglecting key projects initiated during President Kibaki’s tenure. Samuel Wambugu, a resident of Othaya town, said the constituency had not benefited from flagship national programmes.
“We have not seen the President or any senior official launching an Affordable Housing project here. The Changachicha Water Project is incomplete, and farmers downstream lack water for domestic use and irrigation,” he said.
He also cited stalled road projects. “The Mau Mau roads have stalled after the contractor left the site. Generally, we feel the President has neglected projects left by our late President Kibaki.”
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Concerns were also raised over the management of the Mwai Kibaki Teaching and Referral Hospital. Mary Njeri, a resident, claimed locals were being sidelined in procurement. “The board is not awarding contracts to local suppliers. Contractors from other regions are being favoured,” she said.
The hospital, whose board is chaired by retired General Robert Kibochi, was gazetted as an independent parastatal in 2024 after being delinked from Kenyatta National Hospital, giving it its own board and budget. Politically, President Ruto’s visit is being viewed as his first major charm offensive in Nyeri County, the political backyard of his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua, coming months after the fiercely contested Mbeere North by-election.
During the by-election, Gachagua – now leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) – backed Democratic Party (DP) candidate Newton Karish, while President Ruto supported Leonard Wamuthende of his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
Wamuthende was declared the winner by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), though the outcome was later challenged in court. The President’s allies point to ongoing projects as evidence of commitment to the region, including the construction of an ultra-modern market and the renovation of Othaya Stadium.
President Ruto will be hosted by Othaya MP Wambugu Wainaina and Chinga MCA Kiruga Thuku. Several Nyeri leaders allied to the President – including Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi, Nyeri Town MP Maina Mathenge, Kieni MP Njoroge Wainaina, Woman Representative Rahab Mukami, and Senator Wahome Wamatinga – are expected to accompany him.
Meanwhile, Tetu MP Geoffrey Wandeto and Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia, both allied to Gachagua, remain influential figures in the county’s evolving political landscape.
