Speaking at ACK Kamugere Church in Runyenjes constituency, Mundigi dismissed critics of the tour, assuring residents that the President’s visit is well-planned and inevitable. His remarks were seen as a direct rebuttal to Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, who recently downplayed the significance of the visit, hinting that Ruto’s influence in Mt Kenya was diminishing.

“This tour is unstoppable. The President is coming to the Mountain, and we must be there to welcome him” Mundigi affirmed, adding that plans for the visit were at an advanced stage.

Mt Kenya has historically played a kingmaker role in Kenyan politics, and in 2022, the region overwhelmingly backed Ruto over Raila Odinga, securing his path to the presidency. However, the landscape has since become more complex, with deepening divisions and power struggles shaping the region’s future.

This tour will be the President’s first since the controversial impeachment of his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua. Gachagua had positioned himself as Mt Kenya’s de facto leader, championing the “one-man, one-vote, one-shilling” revenue allocation formula and calling for economic unity in the region. His removal sparked outrage among his supporters, creating a split between those who remain loyal to Ruto and those who believe Gachagua’s ouster was unjust.

The tour also comes on the heels of a political pact between Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga, an alliance that has unsettled some Mt Kenya residents who overwhelmingly rejected Raila in the last election. This new realignment is expected to test Ruto’s standing in the region, as opposition figures and internal rivals look to capitalize on any cracks in his support base.

Mundigi has assured residents that Ruto’s tour will bring significant benefits to the region, including development projects and financial allocations aimed at strengthening his political grip ahead of the 2027 election.

“The President is coming with goodies.Mt Kenya we have the deputy president Prof Kithure Kindiki.This is not just a political tour; it is a development tour,” Mundigi emphasized.

However, the success of the visit will serve as a crucial political litmus test. A strong turnout will reinforce Ruto’s dominance in Mt Kenya, proving that he remains the region’s preferred leader despite internal wrangles. On the other hand, a lukewarm reception could embolden his critics and reshape the political trajectory of the Mountain, signaling potential trouble for his re-election bid.

The Public Service cabinet secretary Justin Muturi who comes from Embu county in Mt Kenya region stated that he will not be accompanying the president in his tour.

The Kenya Meteorological Department's forecast further shows that the maximum temperature range in the Governor Dr Julius Malombe-led county will be between 25°C and 32°C. The minimum temperature range will on the other hand oscillate from 16°C  to 21°C.

Community members have been called upon to fight climate change by wisely utilizing the rain season as they take care of their farms in order to get maximum harvests.

However, the Kenya Meteorological Depart has allayed these fears saying "The MAM 2025 rain season is expected to be near normal to below normal".

"Occasional rainfall is expected in early March followed by a dry spell, then rains to start between 25th March to 7th April and end between 8th and 21st May, 2025. Thus, the length of rain period will be 30-45 days", the weather forecast report reads in part.

The residents rarely complain about the situation because they have adapted to the lifestyle of the area.This article delves into underlying causes of the water scarcity and the efforts to mitigate this pressing issue.

THE DAILY STRUGGLE FOR WATER

In Ndagani, access to clean and reliable water is a daily challenge to comrades at large. Natives often travel long distances to fetch water from nearby rivers.Some are forced to hire lorries to transport water to their homes due to the long distance moved in search of clean and reliable water.

Few are capable to purchase water from water supplying companies which charge expensively per litre.These causes high cost of living around the area.These arduous tasks consumes valuable time and energy impacting productivity and quality of life.

IMPACT ON AGRICULTURE

Agriculture, the backbone of Ndagani’s economy, has been severely affected by water scarcity.Farmers rely heavily on rainfall for crop cultivation, making them vulnerable to erratic weather patterns and prolonged dry spells.The lack of irrigation infrastructure exacerbates the situation, leading to reduced crop yields and food insecurity.

HEALTH IMPLICATION

Limited access to clean water has significant health implications.Residents are at a higher risk of contracting waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid.The situation is further aggravated by inadequate sanitation facilities, leading to poor hygiene practices and increased health risks.

EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN PERIL

The water crisis extends to educational institutions in Ndagani like Ndagani secondary  and primary, Chuka KMTC and Chuka University. Students and staff faces water shortage which disrupt their daily activities.

Chuka University being a higher education institution in the area tries to curb water crisis within its environment to ensure there is conducive environment for learning. This helps to ensure academic excellence of the University and other education institutions within.

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS

1.ENVIROMENTAL DEGRADATION

Deforestation and land degradation have reduced the area’s natural water retention capacity, leading to diminished water sources.

2.CLIMATE CHANGE

Unpredictable rainfall patterns and prolonged drought attributed to climate change, has exacerbated water scarcity in the region.

3. POPULATION GROWTH

Chuka University is an institution that has greatly influenced the increase of migrants to Ndagani centre. According to recent research, there is high number of migrants than the natives.This has led to exertion of additional pressure on already limited water resources, leading to over-exertion and depletion.

COMMUNITY PROJECTS   

Local community has embarked on rainwater harvesting project, drilling of boreholes and construction of small dams to enhance water availability.

GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION 

Kenya National Government with association with Tharaka Nithi county Government has initiated projects for water management with an aim to curb water crisis in the area.

NGO PARTICIPATION

Non–Governmental Organizations are actively involved in promoting sustainable water management practices and supporting infrastructure development in Ndagani as a water stressed region.

THE ROAD AHEAD

-Sustainable practices

-Policy implementation

-Infrastructure development 

The water crisis in Ndagani is a complex issue that intertwines economic ,social and environmental factors.Through collaborative efforts and sustainable strategies, there is hope for a future where clean and reliable water accessibility will be easier, fostering health, prosperity and growth in the community.

After the alleged crime was committed, the man dumped the young angel in a toilet in Ikanga market, Kitui South.

This incident was confirmed by Ikanga chief Onesmus Mutaula who added that the man committed the act after disagreements with his wife the previous night. The man is said to have hatched a plan to kill his wife who luckily escaped. That is when he went on to kill his young child, dumped it in a toilet then disappeared. "The late daughter was killed by her father who is from Mutomo", said the chief in a phone interview.