Security and governance expert Erick Okeyo has weighed in on President William Ruto’s public interactions during the requiem mass of the late Ol Kalou MP David Njuguna, saying the Head of State faced visible challenges managing reactions from mourners and leaders.
Speaking during a televised talk show on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, Okeyo observed that President William Ruto had to patiently listen to strong sentiments expressed by local leaders, including Nyandarua Senator John Methu. He noted that the remarks reflected deeper frustrations within the region.
He said the tone of the speeches showed that parts of Mt Kenya may be politically drifting, suggesting that the President’s influence in the region has weakened.
Okeyo also criticized the president’s inner circle, claiming that some advisers may be giving him a misleading picture of his political standing on the ground.
He linked some of the current political dynamics to the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, saying it has had ripple effects in the region.
According to him, recent reactions during public events indicate that Mt Kenya voters are responding strongly to political developments and leadership shifts, not only in Ol Kalou but across the wider region.
He warned that the region remains highly sensitive to political changes and urged leaders to engage carefully with citizens to avoid misreading public sentiment.
Okeyo further emphasized the importance of accurate feedback from the ground, saying leaders should receive honest assessments rather than filtered information that could distort political reality.
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Politics