Why President Ruto is keen on securing the Nakuru's voting bloc

After the fallout between President William Ruto and his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua seemed to change the political dynamics in the country and in par Nakuru county.

Both President Ruto and Mr Gachagua appears to be pulling from their side with each making attempts to have a grip on the vote rich county.

The President during his recent tour of the county appeared to woo the resident’s support assuring them of high seat on the national table.

Addressing residents within the city center the President took time to highlight the key projects he has embarked on in Nakuru, ranging from Rironi–Mau Summit highway expansion to the Afraha Stadium completion, Affordable Housing, and the Trauma Center completion.

This was the first time since the 2022 elections that the President returned to publicly seek the residents support for his 2027 re-election bid.

President Ruto pointed out the appointment of former Nakuru governor Lee Kinyanjui to a Trade Cabinet Secretary position as a proof to show that he is still with the county.

Joining President Ruto was Governor Susan Kihika who maintained that Nakuru was still in government and President Ruto’s stronghold criticizing the media for classifying the county as a battleground.

Ezekiel Kamau, a political analyst, says that Ruto cannot ignore Nakuru County, noting that he would use any strategy to sway the voter-rich county to his side.

“Having a stopover in Nakuru after the by-elections was very significant in a way. He appeared in a triumphant mood; his remarks in particular were interpreted by many as a bold declaration that he intends to shape, influence, and dictate the trajectory of the 2027 elections,” he says.

According to Ezekiel Winning Nakuru support could be a larger strategy to reclaim the Mountain vote, especially after the fallout with Gachagua.

“At the moment we can say that he is tightening his grip on key political backgrounds, Nakuru included, as this would significantly reshape Kenya’s political arithmetic ahead of 2027,” he says.

Laban Omusundi also tends to agree with Ezekiel in that Nakuru sits as the crown jewel of politics and the President knows how important Nakuru is.

“If you remember, Nakuru was the birthplace of the Jubilee Party. Therefore, the importance of Nakuru cannot be understated. We have had some of the supporters stating that if the by-elections were to go by then all is well come 2027,” says Omusundi.