The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) in Kenya has directed Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku to withdraw remarks he made in July that the commission found to be divisive. The remarks were made at Kiang'ondu in Tharaka Nithi county during a discussion on the political identity, development, and representation of the Mt Kenya East region.
According to the NCIC, Ruku's remarks amounted to generalisations and collective blame against a section of the population. The commission's chairperson, Kepha Omae, stated that Ruku's remarks crossed from legitimate advocacy for identity and equitable development into divisive ethnic generalisation and collective blame.
The NCIC found that Ruku's remarks undermined equal dignity and harmonious relations and fell below the restraint and responsibility expected of a Cabinet Secretary. As part of proposed reconciliation measures, the NCIC directed Ruku to publicly withdraw statements alleging that Kikuyu people regard Kenya as their property or are collectively responsible for disparities in development and public appointments.
The commission also directed the commencement of a remedial conciliation process and ordered an audit of ethnic diversity in national public institutions to establish compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements on representation. This inquiry centred on remarks in which Ruku rejected the description of Mt Kenya East as a political “trailer” of Mt Kenya West and criticised perceptions that one region or community had an undue claim over the country’s political and economic affairs.
During the discussion, Ruku referred to ethnic surnames while discussing alleged disparities in development and public appointments. The NCIC said that Ruku's remarks turned concerns over development and representation into collective blame, demeaned the equal standing of Kikuyu people, undermined harmonious relations, and failed to respect their rights and reputation.
Ruku defended his remarks before the commission on September 1, arguing that the Constitution protects distinct ethnic identities and allows communities to advocate for equitable development and representation in public appointments. He denied harbouring ill will towards the Kikuyu community and said his reference to stepping on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s neck was political imagery intended to describe political defeat rather than physical harm.
The directive comes as NCIC steps up scrutiny of public statements by political leaders and other public figures that it considers capable of undermining national cohesion. The commission's actions aim to promote unity and prevent further divisive remarks.
Key points
- NCIC directs Ruku to withdraw divisive remarks
- Remarks found to undermine equal dignity and harmonious relations
- Commission orders audit of ethnic diversity in national public institutions
