Election campaigning in Kenia

Election campaigning

has already begun in Kenya, and there are still a good two years until the election. This has already been covered at https://afrikamonamour.blogspot.com/2025/04/election-campaigning-in-kenya.html. President William Ruto recently visited the districts of Laikipia*1 and Meru*2 as part of his development tour of the Mount Kenya region. What was his purpose there? He undertook this tour to solidify support in the Mount Kenya region. He used the opportunity to showcase the development projects his government had implemented in the region and reaffirm his commitment to fulfilling his campaign promises. Before the election, he made 281 promises, a staggering 14 were fulfilled, and their success remains to be seen. He spoke out against those trying to turn the region against him. In Meru, he launched several projects, including a Huduma Center in Maua and a modern market. In Tigania West, Meru, Ruto inaugurated the Kibiru Beef Feedlot to boost livestock production in the region. He distributed 10,800 title deeds to local residents. In Meru, Ruto inaugurated the Maua sewerage system. He also announced a 1.8 billion Kenyan shilling electricity connection project. Ruto also addressed the problems of miraa farmers, promising to dismantle cartels and open more markets for their produce. In Laikipia, he inaugurated a new classroom at Ng'arachi Comprehensive School and launched the last-mile electricity connection project for the constituency. He handed over a school bus to Dr. Wachira Secondary School in Kiamariga and provided car washes to local boda boda operators. In Laikipia, he emphasized the importance of presenting policies rather than attacking his government and urged critics to focus on development. Ruto emphasized his long-standing relationship with the Mount Kenya region and assured residents that they would not be isolated by the government. This is an ambiguous statement. "That they would not be isolated by the government" could be interpreted quite differently. He rejected claims that certain communities were being marginalized in government and emphasized the importance of unity for the country's development. He indicated that he is aware that people will evaluate his work and decide whether he should remain in office. The tour took place amid political tensions in the Mount Kenya region, particularly following the ouster of Rigathi Gachagua and the purge of his allies from key parliamentary positions. *1, Laikipia is a district in Kenya located on the equator, known for its diverse wildlife and cosmopolitan community. It covers an area of ​​approximately 9,462 km² and is the 15th largest district. It is home to various ethnic groups, including the Maasai, Samburu, and Kikuyu. Economically, Laikipia is important for tourism, agriculture, and livestock farming. It is considered one of Kenya's best safari regions and offers a unique wilderness experience with a high wildlife density. The region includes several nature reserves and game reserves that protect endangered species such as Grevy's zebras and black rhinos.   *2, Meru, is a town in the Eastern Highlands and the seat of Meru County. It is the seventh-largest urban center in Kenya with a population of 80,191 (as of the 2019 census). The town is known for its agricultural and commercial activities and is an important center for the production of coffee, tea, and miraa (khat). Meru is also home to several educational institutions, including the Meru University of Science and Technology. Nearby attractions include Meru National Park and the Meru Museum, which showcases the cultural heritage of the Meru people.