Since the introduction of the Office of the Deputy President in 2010, a hotel at the heart of Nyeri town has had the privilege of hosting the office bearers after every election.
The New Eden hotel, based at Green Oaks, has hosted both Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his boss William Ruto who served in the position from 2013-2022.
After his reelection in 2017, when Ruto began drumming support for the presidential bid, he often frequented the hotel.
Notably, photos of Ruto taking tea and mandazi alongside other allies went viral on social media in 2020.
The photos were credited for contributing to the hustler narrative which dominated the campaigns as the head of state occasionally visited hotels to interact with business owners afterwards.
In a statement regarding the photo, Ruto narrated his experience at the hotel describing the owner as a hustler who was beating all odds to make ends meet.
"We welcome the fact that our national conversation is by and by being governed by issues of the ordinary people. This is a striking start in the reconstruction journey of our country that ushers in the empowerment of millions of hustlers.
"Enjoyed a cup of tea at Mama Rachael Karwitha Kahihia’s New Eden Cafe, Nyeri Town, Nyeri County. I encouraged her to keep hustling for a better tomorrow," he stated.
On the other hand, on November 22, months after taking oath of office, Gachagua followed suit and was hosted at the hotel where he ordered the famous mandazi and tea.
Gachagua was accompanied by Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga.
Apart from the duo, the hotel is also popular among the political class including Azimio leaders.
Residents state that the hotel is loved by politicians because of its strategic position that allows them to hold rallies outside the hotel due to its open space.
For instance, leaders led by former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu hosted a rally at the venue in celebration of Martha Karua as the Azimio la Umoja running mate on May 16, 2022.
