Gathoni Wamuchomba, the Member of Parliament for Githunguri, has openly acknowledged the significance of President William Ruto’s recent tour of the Mt Kenya region.
In a statement, Wamuchomba suggested that the president should make it a routine to visit the region every three months.
According to her, Ruto’s visits serve a dual purpose, they not only provide a source of financial benefit for the locals but also act as a political reflection for both him and the Members of Parliament (MPs) who are aligned with his administration, often referred to as the YES MPs.
Wamuchomba’s comments are not just a casual suggestion. She strongly implied that the visits are essential for the political health of Ruto’s leadership, hinting that they play a crucial role in maintaining his popularity and political relevance in the region.
Her remarks are also critical in understanding the local dynamics at play, as she stated that the region acts as a “good ATM” for its people, meaning that the president’s presence has tangible financial benefits.
This is especially crucial in a region that is often seen as a key battleground for political influence.
Furthermore, Wamuchomba alluded to the political risks faced by the YES MPs who are seen as the president’s allies in Parliament. According to her, just as was the case in the previous Parliament, these MPs should not expect to escape the “chopping board.”
She suggested that Ruto will likely align himself with more popular aspirants, potentially at the expense of the current crop of MPs. This reflects the volatile nature of Kenyan politics, where loyalty can be fleeting and the president’s relationship with MPs is constantly shifting depending on political realities and public opinion.
Her statement also carries a sense of retribution. Wamuchomba explicitly mentioned that there would be “no mercy” for those who have been seen as obstructing the president’s agenda.
Specifically, she referred to the pain caused by impeachments and the controversial finance bills, implying that these actions would have political consequences.
The phrase “Ground is KING” is a reminder of the ultimate political power of the people in Kenya, suggesting that the public’s sentiment will heavily influence the political landscape.
Wamuchomba’s message on X (formerly Twitter) offers a candid glimpse into the political calculations that drive the Mt Kenya region’s support for the president. It highlights the underlying tension between loyalty and popularity, showing that even loyal MPs are not guaranteed protection from political shifts.
Ruto’s alignment with popular aspirants, as hinted by Wamuchomba, signals potential changes in the political alignment within the region, particularly as the next election cycle approaches.
