President William Ruto hosted thousands of United Democratic Alliance leaders in Nyeri County over the weekend to strengthen support in the Mount Kenya region. The event at Sagana State Lodge drew around 17,000 to 18,000 newly elected polling station officials from the county.
It focused on unity ahead of the 2027 elections. Ruto urged the group to prioritise development while taking shots at opposition figures for lack of action.
The gathering took place on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Officials from all wards in Nyeri showed up in party colours. Ruto spoke for over an hour. He highlighted projects like better roads, farming support and water schemes.
He said these efforts show UDA’s commitment to the people. “We are here to work, not just talk,” he told the crowd. He praised Nyeri for leading in grassroots organisation within the party.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga attended in full UDA gear. He pledged his full loyalty to the party. “I am fully inside UDA and working for the party government,” he said.
Kahiga has faced questions about his ties to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. But he made it clear where he stands now. He called on leaders to unite behind Ruto for the region’s good.
The event is part of UDA’s nationwide push to build strong structures at the ground level. Similar meetings have happened in other counties. The party wants to lock in votes early for 2027.
Ruto stressed the need for more members. He said UDA aims to grow from the current base. Officials handed out membership forms and talked about recruitment drives.
Turnout impressed many in the party. Supporters saw it as proof Ruto still holds sway in Mount Kenya. The area backed him in 2022 but has seen some shifts since Gachagua’s impeachment in 2024.
Gachagua now leads his own group, drawing some followers away. But the large crowd at Sagana suggests UDA keeps a solid grip.
Some noted fewer MPs showed up. Only a handful from Nyeri attended. Tensions linger from the impeachment. Gachagua was popular in the region. His exit left divisions.
Ruto has worked to heal them through visits and projects. The Sagana lodge has hosted many such events before. It sits in a quiet spot by the river, good for big meetings.
Ruto criticised the opposition during his speech. He said they offer nothing but complaints. “While they sit and criticise, we deliver,” he added. He pointed to recent wins in by-elections as signs of UDA’s strength. The party has gained seats in areas once held by rivals.
Local issues came up too. Farmers in Nyeri deal with low prices for tea and coffee. Ruto promised better markets and subsidies. He talked about new dams for water. Youth employment got a mention. He said UDA plans training programmes. Officials nodded along as he spoke.
The meeting ended with chants and songs. Ruto shook hands with leaders. Photos show him smiling with the group. Party flags waved everywhere. Security kept things smooth. No incidents reported.
This push shows Ruto’s focus on 2027 early. UDA wants no loose ends. The Nyeri event boosts morale in a key area. More retreats are planned elsewhere.
Opposition watches closely. They say UDA uses state resources for party work. No proof has been shown yet. Ruto denies that. He calls it normal politics.
Voters in Nyeri seem split. Some back Ruto for projects. Others miss Gachagua’s voice. The 2027 race shapes up tight.No big announcements came from the meet. But it sets the tone for UDA’s campaign. Ruto left for Nairobi after. The lodge cleared out by evening. This gathering reminds us how Kenyan politics turns on regions like Mount Kenya. Numbers there can swing elections. Ruto knows that well.