Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programs Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has hit out at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of stoking division in the Mt Kenya region through “unfounded and divisive remarks” questioning the credibility of local leaders.
Speaking in Mbeere North during an education empowerment tour, CS Ruku described Gachagua’s comments as “uncalled for and unbecoming” of a former holder of the country’s second-highest office.
“There is no single leader in Mt Kenya who lacks credibility. All our leaders have merit, substance, and serve their people diligently,” Ruku told gatherings in Cieria, Kìrie, Kabùbua, and Kanyuambora.
The Cabinet Secretary accused Gachagua of hypocrisy, claiming he often associates with the very leaders he now seeks to discredit.
“Let him not pretend to be the moral compass of the mountain,” Ruku said. “He dines with leaders whose credibility is questionable, yet he dares to lecture others.”
Ruku reaffirmed that the Mt Kenya region already has an established leadership structure under Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, whom he praised as an accomplished scholar and man of integrity.
“Prof. Kindiki is well-educated, globally respected, and leads Mt Kenya leaders with distinction. The former Deputy President has no moral authority to question those who work tirelessly for their people,” he asserted.
The CS urged residents to reject what he termed “divisive politics” that threaten the region’s cohesion, saying Mt Kenya must remain focused on unity and economic growth.
“The people of Mt Kenya will not entertain divisive politics anymore. Our focus is on unity, development, and progress not empty rhetoric meant to divide us,” he said.
Ruku made the remarks during a series of campaign stops in Mumìnjì and Evurore wards, culminating in a major rally at Kanyuambora Stadium just a short distance from the homes of former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti and former Attorney General Justin Muturi, both of whom are supporting the Opposition’s candidate in the upcoming Mbeere North by-election.
During the event, local residents expressed strong opposition to the Opposition candidate, citing Muturi’s earlier stance against the NG-CDF bursary program. The crowd vowed to back UDA candidate Leonard Wamuthende in the November 27 by-election.
Ruku expressed confidence that the ruling coalition would perform strongly in the upcoming contests across Mt Kenya, insisting that unity and development remain the cornerstones of the government’s political agenda.
“The people of Mbeere North are wise and development-minded. They know who stands with them, and they will speak loudly through the ballot,” he said.
He concluded by urging residents to support President William Ruto’s administration and its development agenda, saying, “Out of their love for the President and his government, the people will stand firmly behind the UDA candidate.”
