Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has dismissed claims by Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua that his party’s victory in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election has cemented his position as the undisputed political kingpin of the Mt Kenya region.

Speaking on Saturday during the Uzalendo Half Marathon in Eldama Ravine, Baringo County, Ruku said Gachagua was overstating the political significance of the by-election result, arguing that one electoral victory cannot determine the region’s overall political leadership.

According to the Cabinet Secretary, the Kenya Kwanza administration continues to enjoy strong support across Mt Kenya and remains confident of retaining the region’s backing ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Ruku expressed confidence that President William Ruto would regain even greater support in the region, saying the government would intensify its engagement with residents to explain its development agenda and address concerns raised by voters.

He said Kenya Kwanza leaders would embark on a renewed campaign across Mt Kenya to counter what he described as misleading narratives being advanced by opposition leaders.

The Cabinet Secretary maintained that predictions suggesting the ruling coalition has lost the region’s support are premature, adding that the outcome of the 2027 elections would demonstrate the continued strength of Kenya Kwanza in Mt Kenya.

His remarks come days after DCP candidate Sammy Kamau Ngotho won the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, a result that Gachagua’s allies have hailed as evidence of growing support for the opposition in the Mt Kenya region.