President William Ruto has taken a leaf straight out of his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta’s book, making a late-night visit to Nairobi’s Central Business District in what many are already calling a familiar script.
Uhuru was known for making unannounced night inspections during his tenure, most notably at the Uhuru Park Bus Terminus. Ruto, however, chose a different kind of landmark—accompanying Kikuyu member of Parliament Kimani Ichung’wah on a quiet stroll through the CBD to inspect cabros installed by the Nairobi County government.
What has raised eyebrows, though, is the timing. Sources say Ruto deliberately avoided visiting during the day, wary of the hostile reception he would likely face in the bustling city centre where public sentiment against him has been running high.
The late-night tour also comes at a particularly sensitive moment for the president. Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka recently revealed that the National Intelligence Service conducted an internal poll whose results allegedly showed Ruto on course for a heavy defeat in the 2027 presidential election. Kalonzo added that the numbers have left the President visibly rattled and confused about his political footing going forward.
Whether the midnight stroll was a genuine inspection or a carefully calculated image exercise, one thing is clear — Ruto is feeling the pressure, and his team knows it.
Here are the photos of President Ruto touring Nairobi’s CBD to inspect the cabros installed by the Nairobi County government.
