Ruto Faces Setback in Trans-Nzoia as His Point Man Heckled by Residents
President William Ruto’s political grip in Trans-Nzoia County has come under scrutiny following an embarrassing incident involving his point man in the region.
According to a video widely circulated online, Bidii Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) James Gitau, alias Kangi, who also serves as a coordinator in the Office of the President, was heckled and forced to sit down by angry residents during a public meeting.
The incident, which took place in Trans-Nzoia, saw chants of “one-term!” fill the air, with the crowd making it clear they were not ready to listen to the MCA. Videos shared online captured youths shouting him down, accusing the government of abandoning ordinary Kenyans while failing to deliver on its promises.
The humiliation directed at Gitau is being interpreted by many as a warning sign to President Ruto, who has been battling to
maintain his popularity across different regions. Many Kenyans on social media reacted strongly to the video, some in support of the residents’ actions, while others criticized the growing trend of heckling leaders in public forums.
Political analysts argue that the event reflects simmering frustration on the ground, particularly among young people who say they are struggling with unemployment, high living costs, and alleged government wastage. “The youth are sending a clear message to the President.
If corruption and misuse of public funds are not addressed, this anger could spread to other counties,” said one commentator on X (formerly Twitter).
The chants of “one-term!” further highlight a deepening skepticism among Kenyans about whether President Ruto will secure re-election in 2027 unless he makes urgent changes.
Some of those who commented online argued that the President must swiftly take action to win back trust, including fighting corruption, reducing unnecessary expenditure in ministries, and ensuring service delivery reaches the grassroots.
For MCA Gitau, the incident is not just a personal embarrassment but also a political setback that may weaken his ability to mobilize support for the Kenya Kwanza administration in the region.
His role as a coordinator in the Office of the President places him at the heart of Ruto’s grassroots networks, meaning his rejection by locals raises concerns about waning loyalty in a county that has historically played a key role in shaping national politics.
Observers note that Trans-Nzoia, being one of the breadbasket regions of Kenya, has unique socio-economic challenges. Residents have often demanded better infrastructure, reliable markets for farmers, and equitable distribution of national resources.
The heckling of Gitau may therefore reflect accumulated grievances that go beyond politics, cutting into the day-to-day struggles of ordinary citizens.
As 2027 draws closer, President Ruto will be under pressure to reconnect with voters in regions like Trans-Nzoia. While isolated incidents may not necessarily define national trends, they can serve as early warning signs of shifting political tides.
For now, the President faces the urgent task of reassuring his supporters and demonstrating that his administration is committed to tackling corruption, curbing wastage, and prioritizing the needs of ordinary Kenyans.
