Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Geoffrey Ruku has revealed that the wisdom and intervention of elders from the Mt Kenya region persuaded him to abandon his campaign for a distinct Mt Kenya East political identity. Instead, he now champions the unity of the wider Mt Kenya region. This change of heart came after a gathering at Kirigiti in Kiambu County.
Ruku said the elders impressed upon him that his advocacy for equitable development and political representation could be pursued more effectively through a united region speaking with one voice. The elders, drawn from different parts of the Mt Kenya region, urged him to drop his push for a distinction between Mt Kenya East and Mt Kenya West. They also endorsed Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as a spokesperson for the region.
The Kirigiti gathering marked a turning point in Ruku's political advocacy. He said the elders' counsel was motivated by their experience and understanding of the region's history. Their overriding concern was to leave future generations with a united community. Ruku accepted their counsel, citing the elders' experience in public affairs and their role as custodians of the region's heritage.
Ruku's earlier campaign for greater recognition of Mt Kenya East was driven by longstanding disparities in leadership and development. He noted that the Kenya Kwanza administration under President William Ruto has begun addressing some of these concerns. However, a section of political leaders from Mt Kenya West were not happy with the development.
Ruku cited road projects in Meru, Tharaka-Nithi, Embu, Mwea, and Isiolo as examples of the government's efforts to address the region's development gaps. He also pointed to his former constituency, which had only 37 kilometres of tarmacked roads when he was elected MP in 2022. Since then, 20 kilometres have been completed, and another 45 kilometres are under construction.
Ruku dismissed claims that his change of position amounted to an admission that his earlier campaign had failed. Instead, he attributed it to the elders' intervention and their appeal for the region to remain united. He accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of turning a personal political dispute into a broader community issue.
Ruku renewed his criticism of Gachagua, challenging him to engage the elders publicly and allow them to explain their decision. He stated that the region should now work together under Kindiki's leadership, rather than allowing political differences to deepen divisions within Mt Kenya or between the region and the President.
Key points
- - Ruku shifts stance on Mt Kenya East identity after elders' intervention - Elders endorse Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as spokesperson for the region - Ruku criticizes former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for politicizing community issues
