In a significant political statement that highlights the relationship between the national executive and local leadership, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire has declared that Embu residents have “every reason to back Ruto’s administration.”

Speaking on Sunday, July 5, 2026, during a church service at Full Gospel Church Gatunduri in Manyatta Constituency, Embu County, Mbarire made a strong case for the region’s continued political alignment with the State House. She was accompanied by several elected leaders from the region, including Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi, Mbeere North MP Leo Wamuthende, and Runyenjes MP Eric Karemba.

“No President Has Done More for Embu Than Ruto”

According to Mbarire, the current administration’s track record in the region is completely unprecedented. The governor boldly stated that “no President has done more for Embu than Ruto”, setting a high benchmark for national government performance in the area.

Drawing comparisons with past governments, Mbarire said Embu received limited road infrastructure during the administrations of former Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta, but had seen an unprecedented expansion of tarmac roads since Ruto assumed office. She noted that more than 300 kilometres of tarmac roads have been constructed during President Ruto’s administration compared to only 80 kilometres during the previous administration.

The governor credited President Ruto’s administration with delivering the county’s biggest healthcare investments in recent years. She pointed to two major hospital projects worth a combined KSh 1.45 billion:

A KSh 450 million maternal and child health hospital, with the contract already signed and construction set to begin soon.

A KSh 1 billion hospital upgrade for Embu Level Five Hospital, with funding secured from the Italian government following President Ruto’s recent visit to Italy.

Mbarire also highlighted that hospitals in Embu County have received KSh 2.5 billion for services offered under the Social Health Authority (SHA), and she thanked the President for supporting plans to establish a Level Five hospital in Embu.

Beyond roads and healthcare, Mbarire cited the construction of modern markets, affordable housing projects, and the Embu Stadium built in a record 15 weeks. She also praised the appointment of Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, saying Embu had gained a visible and accessible representative in government.

“For many years, we supported other leaders without seeing tangible benefits for our people. Once they got into power, they often forgot about us, focusing development on their own regions while our roads and other critical infrastructure were neglected,” Mbarire said. “Now it is time for us to stand up for ourselves and support a leader who listens to us and responds to our needs. That leader is President William Ruto, because insults and political rhetoric will not improve the lives of our people”.

The governor vowed to lobby for 2,000 kilometres of roads for Embu if Ruto secures another term, saying she would continue engaging the national government until the county receives its fair share of infrastructure investment. “I will remain with you because I want Embu to receive 2,000 kilometres of those roads. I will keep reminding you until Embu gets its share,” she said.

Mbarire dismissed calls by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua urging the Mt Kenya region to vote out President Ruto in the next General Election, insisting that residents would instead judge the government by tangible projects delivered on the ground. “I will stay with President William Ruto because I have seen what his government is doing for Embu. I know he will win a second term, and I will continue pushing for even more development for our county,” she said.

For his part, Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku dismissed former DP Gachagua’s criticism of President Ruto, saying leaders from Mt Kenya East would not be swayed by what he described as “lies” against the Kenya Kwanza administration.

This strong endorsement is expected to influence local political dynamics, as leadership in Embu rallies the community to support the national government’s ongoing agenda. For many political observers, the statement reflects a strategic effort to consolidate the region’s support base ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Mbarire’s remarks signal a clear direction for the county, emphasizing cooperation with the presidency as a key priority—a partnership built on what she describes as unprecedented development delivery across Embu County