Billy Arocho Otunga, a longtime bodyguard to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, has broken his silence after facing backlash over his public support for President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid.
Arocho, who served in Uhuru Kenyatta’s security detail for over 16 years, defended his record and dismissed criticism from sections of the Mt Kenya region, where his political shift has stirred debate.
“I worked for the Son of Ichaweri diligently for over sixteen years. I was praised and even honoured with a Head of State Commendation (HSC) award by President Uhuru Kenyatta himself at State House Nairobi,” Arocho said in a social media post.
However, he noted that his decision to back Ruto — whom he referred to as the “Son of Kamagut” — has triggered a wave of insults, particularly from individuals he described as former allies.
“Now that I am vehemently supporting the President and championing the TUTAM crusade, a section of my friends from the Mountain are sending unpleasant insults and calling me unprintable names,” he stated.
Arocho rejected claims that he is promoting political hostility or disorder, insisting that he remains a peaceful and law-abiding citizen despite the accusations directed at him.
“For absolute clarity, I am a hardworking man, peaceful, loving and very tolerant — a law-abiding citizen who firmly believes in family setup,” he added.
His remarks come at a time of shifting political alignments within the Mt Kenya region, a key voting bloc that continues to experience divisions ahead of the next general election.
While some leaders have reaffirmed their support for the Kenya Kwanza administration, others have adopted a more critical stance, exposing growing cracks in the region’s political unity.
Arocho’s endorsement of President Ruto adds to a list of individuals formerly associated with the Kenyatta administration who have since switched allegiance, highlighting the evolving nature of Kenya’s political landscape.
As the 2027 race slowly takes shape, such developments point to an increasingly contested battle for influence in Mt Kenya, where loyalty, legacy, and political strategy are expected to play a decisive role.