Political leaders from the Mt Kenya region have accused President William Ruto of engaging in ethnic profiling and sidelining the region in key government appointments and development decisions. The leaders, drawn from various political parties allied to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, claimed that the Kenya Kwanza administration has increasingly targeted Mt Kenya residents while excluding them from influential positions in government.
Speaking during separate political gatherings, the leaders alleged that recent government actions and public statements by senior officials have contributed to feelings of marginalization among communities in the region. They argued that the administration has failed to uphold the principles of inclusivity and equal representation that were promised during the 2022 election campaign.
The accusations come amid growing political tensions between President Ruto and some of his former allies from the Mt Kenya region. The leaders further claimed that development projects and government resources are not being distributed fairly, a move they say has fueled dissatisfaction among residents.
However, President Ruto has consistently rejected claims of discrimination, maintaining that his administration serves all Kenyans regardless of ethnicity, religion, or region. During the recent Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir, the President emphasized the need to eliminate discrimination and ensure equal opportunities for all citizens, citing his government's efforts to address historical marginalization in different parts of the country.
The debate is expected to intensify as political realignments gather momentum ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Mt Kenya remaining a critical voting bloc in Kenya's political landscape.
Speaking during separate political gatherings, the leaders alleged that recent government actions and public statements by senior officials have contributed to feelings of marginalization among communities in the region. They argued that the administration has failed to uphold the principles of inclusivity and equal representation that were promised during the 2022 election campaign.
The accusations come amid growing political tensions between President Ruto and some of his former allies from the Mt Kenya region. The leaders further claimed that development projects and government resources are not being distributed fairly, a move they say has fueled dissatisfaction among residents.
However, President Ruto has consistently rejected claims of discrimination, maintaining that his administration serves all Kenyans regardless of ethnicity, religion, or region. During the recent Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir, the President emphasized the need to eliminate discrimination and ensure equal opportunities for all citizens, citing his government's efforts to address historical marginalization in different parts of the country.
The debate is expected to intensify as political realignments gather momentum ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Mt Kenya remaining a critical voting bloc in Kenya's political landscape.
