Murang’a town witnessed chaos and heckling on Saturday after Lamu Woman Representative Monicah Muthoni Marubu publicly declared her support for President William Ruto’s reelection bid.
Addressing a political rally in the company of sacked Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Marubu praised the development she said had been achieved in the Mt. Kenya region, claiming it outpaced several other parts of the country.
“I have witnessed a lot of completed projects here. You know us, the Kikuyus who live far away, don’t enjoy the same privileges you here enjoy,” Marubu told the crowd. “Therefore, there is every reason for you to reelect this government in 2027.”
Her remarks immediately drew jeers and heckling from sections of the audience, with some attendees expressing disagreement with her assertion that Mt. Kenya had received more development than other regions.
Marubu further urged fellow Kikuyus to begin preparing political support for the incumbent, suggesting they start chanting the campaign slogan ‘Tutam’ in favor of President Ruto.
Observers at the rally said the reaction highlighted the sensitivity of political discourse in the region, especially around support for the sitting president. Political analysts note that while Mt. Kenya has indeed seen various development projects, public perception of inequality in resource distribution can provoke strong responses during political events.
The incident comes amid heightened political activity as parties and leaders gear up for the 2027 general elections. Marubu’s remarks, in particular, underscore the ongoing contest for influence in the Mt. Kenya region, where voter sentiments remain closely monitored by political stakeholders.
Despite the tension, the rally proceeded, but the confrontation illustrated the challenges politicians face when speaking on development and regional disparities in politically charged settings.