President Ruto. Photo/Courtesy
Political scientist Prof Mutahi Ngunyi has triggered fresh debate within Kenya’s political circles after issuing a blunt message to President William Ruto following the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party’s loss in the Ol Kalou by-election.
His remarks, shared on social media, questioned the President’s long-standing political approach toward the Kikuyu community, suggesting a radical shift in strategy amid growing signs of political realignment in the Mt Kenya region.
In a social media post, Ngunyi dismissed the effectiveness of development-driven politics in the region.
“Dear Ruto: Giving Kikuyus DEVELOPMENT is to INSULT them. The Devonshire White Paper of 1923 gave them KIKUYU PRIVILEGE,” he wrote.
He went on to frame his argument within a historical context, referencing colonial-era economic structures.
“They got RICH growing coffee for 103 years. It was a CRIME for Luos and Luhyas to grow COFFEE,” Ngunyi added, in remarks that have since drawn both criticism and support across political divides.
According to the political analyst, the Kikuyu electorate responds differently to political messaging compared to other regions, suggesting that conventional incentives may not yield expected results.
“What Kikuyus understand is PAIN, Moi STYLE. Not goodies. TRY IT!” he stated, in one of the most controversial lines from his statement.
The remarks have sparked mixed reactions, with some leaders accusing Ngunyi of promoting divisive narratives, while others interpret his comments as a provocative but strategic political assessment.
The debate comes at a time when the Mt Kenya voting bloc is seen as increasingly unpredictable.
In a separate post made days earlier, Ngunyi warned President Ruto against continued efforts to regain political ground in the region following the Ol Kalou outcome.
“Dear Ruto. NO point courting Kikuyus. You have TRIED. They have REJECTED you. Ol Kalau is the TESTAMENT,” he wrote.
He further suggested a shift in political alliances, urging the President to focus on other key voting blocs.
“Turn to the Luo Nation and Mulembe Nation. Ol Kalau is a PAIN POINT for you,” Ngunyi stated, framing the by-election as a significant political signal.
Raising further questions about the President’s strategy, he added:
“OR was it an EXPERIMENT to justify discarding Kikuyus? Just do it!”
In one of his most striking recommendations, Ngunyi called for a drastic reshuffle within government ranks.
“9 Kikuyu ministers? FIRE them,” he said, a proposal that has since drawn criticism from leaders warning against ethnic polarization in governance.
The Ol Kalou by-election has now become a focal point in national political discourse, with analysts viewing it as a possible indicator of shifting alliances ahead of future elections.