Kenyan Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has abandoned his campaign to divide Mt Kenya into East and West wings. This decision comes after an intervention from elders who persuaded him that the quest for equitable development and political representation could be pursued more effectively if the broader Mt Kenya region remained united and spoke with one voice. The shift in Ruku's stance occurred after the Kirigiti gathering in Kiambu county on September 19.
During the Kirigiti gathering, elders called for the Mt Kenya region to remain united and endorsed Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as their spokesperson. Ruku symbolically handed back an axe that represented his campaign to cut the region into two. He stated that he accepted the elders' counsel because of their experience and understanding of the region's history. Ruku emphasized the importance of listening to the elders, who are custodians of the region's heritage, history, and future.
Ruku's earlier campaign had focused on longstanding disparities in leadership and development, particularly in roads and other infrastructure in Mt Kenya East. He cited road projects in Meru, Tharaka-Nithi, Embu, Mwea, and Isiolo as examples of infrastructure investments being undertaken by the Kenya Kwanza administration. Ruku highlighted that the government of President William Ruto is working to address these disparities.
Ruku also cited his former constituency as an example of the infrastructure deficit that had informed his push for a stronger Mt Kenya East political voice. When he was elected MP in 2022, the constituency had only 37 kilometres of tarmacked roads despite its vast geographical area. Under the Kenya Kwanza administration, 20 kilometres of additional roads have been tarmacked, while another 45km is under construction.
Ruku had linked the region's development aspirations to its political support for President William Ruto, stating that Mt Kenya East would support his re-election bid. However, he now says that development demands can be pursued without creating political divisions between the eastern and western sections of Mt Kenya. This change in strategy comes as Kindiki assumes a more prominent role in efforts to build a common political voice for the region ahead of the 2027 general election.
At Kirigiti, elders directed Kindiki to lead the wider region as its spokesperson, although some political leaders have questioned whether the gathering had the mandate to speak for all of Mt Kenya. Ruku stated that he would support the elders' call for leaders from across the region to rally behind Kindiki in advancing the interests of Mt Kenya.
Ruku's decision should not be interpreted as abandoning the demand for equity, but as a change in strategy following the elders' intervention. The change comes as the region prepares for the 2027 general election, with a focus on building a united front and pursuing common interests.
Key points
- Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku abandons campaign to divide Mt Kenya into East and West wings.
- Elders intervene, persuading Ruku to pursue equitable development and political representation through a united Mt Kenya region.
- Deputy President Kithure Kindiki endorsed as spokesperson for the Mt Kenya region.
