President William Ruto abruptly cancelled his planned visit to Embu on Saturday, October 12, as mounting tensions over Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's impeachment continue to stir unrest in the Mt Kenya region.
The president was expected to lead the 34th diocesan anniversary celebrations at St Mark’s Teachers Training College, Kigari, but pulled out at the last minute. His decision came just hours before Gachagua confirmed that he would attend the event, marking his first public appearance since the contentious impeachment vote in the National Assembly.
While State House maintained that Ruto’s schedule clash was the official reason for the cancellation, the timing raises questions. The president had already postponed the visit once, in July, citing security concerns after Gen Z protestors threatened to occupy churches.
Now, amid the storm over Gachagua's ousting, the last-minute decision appears to be an attempt to allow the political temperatures in the region to cool down. Ruto’s uncharacteristic silence since the impeachment debate began has been noticeable. The usually active head of state has avoided making public tours or addressing the issue, as the fallout deepens.
On Tuesday, 282 MPs voted to support the motion to impeach Gachagua, sparking outrage in his Mt Kenya stronghold. Local leaders who backed the motion have found themselves at odds with their constituents, facing angry backlash from a populace that views Gachagua as a scapegoat in a broader power struggle.
The impeachment has sharply divided Mt Kenya, leaving many MPs reluctant to return to their constituencies. Some have resorted to having their rural residences guarded by police officers amid fears of hostile reactions.
On Friday, a funeral service in Bahati turned into a political litmus test, as Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika and other UDA officials faced a hostile crowd. Efforts to promote Ruto's agenda met fierce resistance, reflecting a deepening divide in the wake of Gachagua's ouster.
The backlash was palpable when Governor Kihika attempted to deliver a condolence message from President Ruto. Her mention of the president's name sparked an immediate uproar, with jeers and murmurs rising from the crowd. "I see you have become quite vocal. We appreciate your feedback," she remarked in Kikuyu, trying to calm the crowd.
However, the atmosphere remained tense, and UDA leaders struggled to connect with the agitated mourners.
Former Kieni MP Kanini Kega, now serving in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), skilfully sidestepped the turmoil, signalling his unwillingness to wade into the crisis. "I don’t want to talk about what’s happening here. My focus is in Tanzania. Ask me about Arusha or Somalia, and I’ll have something to say," Kega quipped, steering clear of the impeachment controversy that has riled Mt Kenya.
Leaders are increasingly treading carefully, gauging the public mood before addressing sensitive topics like the impeachment.
