NAIROBI, Kenya,Jul 5 — Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku have mounted a spirited defence of their alliance with President William Ruto, declaring that Mt Kenya East will remain firmly behind the President’s re-election bid in 2027 because of what they described as unprecedented development across the region.

📻 Breaking It Down

Speaking during a church service at Full Gospel Church Gatunduri in Embu, Mbarire dismissed calls by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua urging the Mt Kenya region to vote out President Ruto in the next General Election, insisting that residents would instead judge the government by tangible projects delivered on the ground.

The governor argued that Embu had witnessed more infrastructure development under President Ruto than under previous administrations, particularly in road construction, markets and healthcare.

Drawing comparisons with past governments, Mbarire said Embu received limited road infrastructure during the administrations of former Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta, but had seen an unprecedented expansion of tarmac roads since Ruto assumed office.

📌 What You Need to Know

“For many years, we supported other leaders without seeing tangible benefits for our people. Once they got into power, they often forgot about us, focusing development on their own regions while our roads and other critical infrastructure were neglected,” Mbarire said.

“Now it is time for us to stand up for ourselves and support a leader who listens to us and responds to our needs. That leader is President William Ruto, because insults and political rhetoric will not improve the lives of our people.”

According to the governor, the national government has completed or is implementing more than 300 kilometres of roads across Embu County, connecting previously neglected areas in Mbeere North, Mbeere South, Runyenjes and Manyatta.

She also cited the construction of modern markets, affordable housing projects and major health investments, including a Sh1 billion upgrade of Embu Level Five Hospital and a Sh450 million maternal and child health facility.

Mbarire said the scale of development explained why she would continue supporting President Ruto despite political pressure from some leaders in the region.

“I will stay with President William Ruto because I have seen what his government is doing for Embu. I know he will win a second term, and I will continue pushing for even more development for our county,” she said.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya